What Causes False Alarms?

You’ve been out on the town. You drive home to find a police car stationed in front of your house. There’s no sign of a crime, but your security system is going off. Now the officer is writing up a false alarm fine and the neighbors are staring. How did this happen? What causes false alarms, anyway?

It’s time to get to the bottom of things and stop false alarms for good.

This issue faces many traditional alarm system owners. Most alarm calls are not actually crimes in progress, so the police rarely take these calls seriously. In many cities, the police have stopped responding to unverified alarm systems altogether, calling them “nuisance alarms.” If there is an actual break-in, they may not respond for hours. If there isn’t an emergency at all, you may get fined. So how can you protect yourself from false alarms and their consequences? 

Check. Then Check Again.

Human error causes most false alarms. And “human error” is a broad category—it might mean an incorrect disarm code, improper setup, pushing the wrong buttons, or any number of things. Your system’s user manual is your best tool to prevent human error.

Many systems are fairly easy to understand once you set them up. However, you still need to take the time to learn them. And not just you—anyone who will regularly use the system needs to learn the ropes, too. Family members, babysitters, and anyone who has the code must understand proper operation procedures.

Take the time to set the system up correctly the first time. Familiarize yourself with where the sensors are located and what will set them off. Make any needed tweaks now, before they become an issue.

Feeling Powerless?

Inconsistent and weak power is another frequent cause of false alarms. If your system uses batteries, mark your calendar when you need to change those batteries. For systems that plug or wire into a fixed power source, make sure that the power is consistent.

You should have a plan for how to deal with your system if the power goes out. Redundant power sources can be a tremendous help here. Could you add a battery backup to your hard-wired system? Could a generator help? Also, do your best to know the logistical ins and outs of your alarm in case you have to deal with it in the dark.

Pets and Pests

Your four-legged friends can cause some bad situations when they mix with the wrong security system. Don’t compromise on quality when it comes to installation. An insecure setup and faulty equipment can lead to problems with your pet running around. With some security devices, you can adjust the sensitivity settings so that Fido won’t trigger an alarm. If you have pets (or even adventurous toddlers), this feature might appeal to you.

Also, consider spraying bug repellant and setting up pest deterrents near sensors so critters don’t set off the alarm. You don’t need to call the cops on a rascally squirrel.

Loose Doors or Windows

Sometimes false alarms are the result of a door rattling or a window swinging open. Before installing your system, ask yourself: Do any doors rattle or fit funny in the doorjamb? Do your windows lock and stay closed? It feels like common sense, but these can be easy to overlook. And when you arm your security system, make sure that all windows and doors are actually closed.

Investigate Past Issues

The best plans can still go awry. Sometimes, even if you’ve done everything correctly, something unexpected will happen and an alarm will go off. We’ve heard stories of sleepwalking children, unexpected visitors, and the occasional bear. Even shadows and houseplants can set off some devices.

If your alarm does go off when it oughtn’t, put on your detective hat and find the cause. Take the time to fix any known issues as soon as you can. After all, you don’t want to end up with your alarm system “crying wolf” when you actually need it.

Prevent False Alarms in the First Place

It’s one thing to know what causes false alarms. It’s another thing entirely to stop them at the source.

One simple way to make sure your alarm system is set up correctly is to hand the work over to the professionals. It could end up saving you money in the long run. Depending on where you live, even one false alarm fee might exceed the cost of installation.

Truly, the best way to avoid false alarms is the most obvious: have live security professionals monitor your system 24/7, every day of the year. Deep Sentinel’s AI verification system automatically filters out harmless triggers like pets, passing cars, or mail carriers. An expert team then verifies all disturbances that get through the filter, verifying whether there is an actual threat. And they can contact the police on your behalf.

What does that mean to you? Zero false alarms. Relief from annoying alerts and notifications. No citations or fees. And if there is a problem, the authorities will prioritize the call and respond faster, knowing that there’s a verified crime in progress.

We treat each home as if it were our own. That care and caution have made us one of the most reliable security specialists. You’ll rest easy knowing that Deep Sentinel is always watching over you.