Testing of alarms is an important aspect of maintaining a functional and reliable alarm system. Alarms are used to alert individuals of potential dangers, such as fires, intrusions, and gas leaks, and it is crucial that they are able to function properly in order to effectively protect people and property. Here are five reasons why testing alarms is important:

1. Compliance with regulations: Most areas have laws and codes that require buildings to have functional alarm systems, and these systems must be tested regularly to ensure compliance. Failing to test alarms can result in fines and legal consequences.

2. Early detection of problems: Regular testing allows for the early detection of any problems with the alarm system, such as faulty sensors or malfunctioning sirens. By identifying and fixing these issues before they become serious, you can prevent false alarms and ensure that the alarm will work properly in the event of an emergency.

3. Improved reliability: Testing ensures that the alarm system is functioning properly and can be trusted to work when needed. This can give people peace of mind and increase confidence in the system.

4. Enhanced safety: Alarms are a critical safety feature, and it is essential that they are working properly to protect individuals and property. Testing helps to ensure that the alarm system is able to effectively alert people to potential dangers and give them the opportunity to evacuate or take other necessary safety measures.

5. Reduced false alarms: False alarms can be a nuisance and can lead to people ignoring the alarm when it goes off. Testing can help to reduce the occurrence of false alarms, as it allows for the identification and correction of any issues that may cause the alarm to trigger unnecessarily.

In summary, testing alarms is an important aspect of maintaining a functional and reliable system that can be trusted to protect people and property. It is necessary for compliance with regulations, early detection of problems, improved reliability, enhanced safety, and reduced false alarms.

A security system installed in your home or business communicates with our 24-hour monitoring center through ordinary telephone lines or, alternatively, through a cellular radio or direct internet connection. At the present time, the direct phone line connection is the most reliable method of communication.

There are steps that you can take to help reduce false

• Make certain that everyone who operates the alarm fully understands the operating instructions and steps necessary to cancel an alarm. Contact Us
• Make certain that everyone who operates the alarm fully understands the operating instructions and steps necessary to cancel an alarm. Contact the Customer Service or Tech Support departments if you need additional instruction.
• Ensure that the alarm system is armed properly before exiting the premises​. The system has a built-in delay which can be re-programmed to give you additional time to exit the premise, if necessary.
• Motion detectors can be activated by pets or the movement of décor items affected by the flow of air. Alarm sensors can be adjusted or the system can be operated with the sensors bypassed if you wish to arm your system while you or your pets are inside.
• Periodically check the integrity of contacts and the doors and windows to which they are attached. As with the décor items mentioned above, doors and windows which are sufficiently “loose” can be affected by internal and external wind currents. Contact the Tech Support department if you are not able to correct any such problems yourself. Reliable and timely response by police and fire authorities depend on each of us doing our part to reduce unnecessary dispatches caused by avoidable false alarms.

Alarm monitoring is a process in which an alarm system is connected to a central monitoring station through a communication method, such as a phone line or a wireless connection. When the alarm is triggered, the central monitoring station is alerted and a trained operator will assess the situation. If the operator determines that there is an emergency, they will contact the appropriate authorities, such as the police or fire department, to dispatch help.

There are two main types of alarm monitoring: central station monitoring and self-monitoring. In central station monitoring, an alarm company or third party service monitors the alarm system and responds to alerts. With self-monitoring, the homeowner or business owner is responsible for monitoring the alarm and contacting the authorities if necessary.

Alarm monitoring can provide added security and peace of mind, as it ensures that there is always someone available to respond to an alarm and contact the appropriate authorities in case of an emergency. It can also be useful in cases where the alarm system is triggered accidentally, as the central monitoring station can verify the situation and cancel the dispatch of emergency responders if necessary.

Overall, alarm monitoring is a useful tool for ensuring the safety and security of people and property by providing a way to quickly alert the appropriate authorities in the event of an emergency.

Our Central Monitoring Station (CMS)  facility operates 24/7, staffed by trained operators who monitor and respond to alarms from various security systems, including CCTV systems, burglar alarms, and fire alarms.

When an alarm is triggered, the CMS operator will receive the alarm signal and check the CCTV footage from the location of the alarm to verify if the alarm is genuine. If it is a genuine alarm, the operator will then follow the pre-established alarm protocol which includes:

• • • Notifying the appropriate authorities, such as the police or security personnel, providing them with relevant information, such as the location of the alarm and a description of the situation.
    • Notifying the client or the business owner of the situation.
    • Dispatching security personnel or guards to the location of the alarm.
    • Following up with the authorities and the client to ensure that the situation is resolved.

The CMS can also be configured to send notifications to specific individuals or groups, such as security personnel or managers, via email, text message, or mobile app push notifications, allowing them to take quick action in case of an emergency.

It’s worth noting that the security protocols may vary depending on the type of business and the level of security required, so the operator should always refer to the specific protocols of their system and organization.

There’s always a chance of a false alarm, either due to sensor malfunction or accidental alarm triggering. False alarms can waste precious resources for emergency responders—when responders have to check in on a false alarm, they’re not available to handle real emergencies.

In order to reduce instances of unnecessary dispatch of responders, many security companies use audio and video technology to verify if a break-in is in progress or if it was a false alarm. This ensures responders have the most accurate information.

There are also a few things you can do to reduce the chance of a false alarm. Keep your system well-maintained, replace any batteries or sensors that are malfunctioning, and make sure everyone in your household knows how to activate and deactivate the alarm and access the control panel. Keep motion detectors away from windows and air vents. Use a strong adhesive and sealant when installing door and window sensors.

What happens if the alarm panel power goes off?

The police or emergency response feature is usually only available with security systems that are monitored by professional monitoring centers (CMS). DIY systems and home automation hubs are not connected to a monitoring call center, which is the party that usually notifies the emergency responders. With a self-monitored system, you’ll receive an alert directly from your security system, meaning you’ll have to call the police yourself.

Motion detectors and door/window sensors are activated, and your control panel is at the ready or “armed mode”. If someone were to break into your home or office, your alarm would sound—but who would respond if you weren’t home or couldn’t answer?

The first step really is to verify physically or using the verification camera. After verifying, the police/emergency response feature comes into play. When your alarm is triggered, it will notify your monitoring company so that a representative can alert authorities to check out the issue and provide assistance if and when needed. – Source: Link

Many professional security systems include a police response feature. Your security system won’t directly contact the police  any time a sensor triggers. The process is a bit more complex than that.

First, the triggered sensor will alert your alarm control panel. Usually, the control panel will wait between thirty and sixty  seconds before sending a notification to the alarm company, giving you time to disarm the system if you accidentally tripped it.

When the monitoring center receives an alert, an operator will respond based on the company’s protocol. Some companies will  first contact the residence to confirm there’s an emergency and check if any other sensors were triggered. If the monitoring  representative can’t connect with the home, they will then notify the police department.

Other companies don’t wait to contact the authorities—representatives will simultaneously alert the residence and the police. From there, a police officer will check on the property. Depending on the department’s protocols, alarm circumstances, and call volume, the dispatched unit may drive by or investigate your home and property to address the reason for the alarm. – Source: Link