False Alarm Reduction
As a company that sells commercial and residential security systems, we know that having law enforcement respond to our subscribers’ alarms is essential to our success. However, as citizens of the Baton Rouge community, we are aware of the burden false alarms put on our officers. For these reasons, Custom Security Systems has made reducing false alarms a high priority. Our company is taking steps to be proactive in educating users about false alarms, following up with those who have false alarms, and servicing alarm systems to become more efficient.
What Is a False Alarm?
Many people are under the impression that anytime the alarm is set off accidentally, it constitutes a false alarm. This may make them wary of using their systems for fear they will be “charged” with a false alarm fine. In reality, a false alarm is one where responders arrive at the scene and discover there is no emergency. For subscribers, this means that if you call to cancel a dispatch before the officers arrive, it is not a false alarm.
What Causes False Alarms
A number of things can contribute to false alarms, including issues with your system. In this case, we can send a technician to your home or business to resolve the issue.
Besides system error, other known false alarm causes are:
- Pets’ movements (compensate by using pet-immune motion detectors)
- Fans/heaters that move objects like curtains or decorations in front of motion detectors
- Renovation work done on windows, doors, floors, or attics
- Service work done on electrical or phone system
- Users not knowing the alarm code or how to cancel an alarm
What We Do to Reduce False Alarms
In an effort to help reduce false alarms, Custom Security Systems encourages subscribers to opt for Enhanced Call Verification (ECV). This procedure simply gives our Baton Rouge monitoring station the approval to call at least one phone number beyond the premise number. By adding just one number, using ECV has proven to reduce false alarms by as much as 40%. If you want to add ECV to your account, call our monitoring station at 225-927-5535. Custom Security Systems also has an education program for employees to learn about false alarms.
How You Can Reduce False Alarms
- Educate all users of the system on the procedures for arming, disarming, and canceling accidental alarms.
- Test your system once a month by calling Custom Security’s Monitoring Station
- Opt for Enhanced Call Verification (ECV) (See above section)
- Be sure your call list is up to date.
- Call us at 225-927-5535 when you have any work done in your home that involves phone lines, electrical, windows, doors, ceilings, or floors.
- For more tips on reducing false alarms, watch our video
Have questions about your false alarm citation or your alarm permit?
Call the Alarm Enforcement Division
Baton Rouge City Police – 389.3805
Download City of Baton Rouge Alarm Permit
East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff – 389.7838
Download East Baton Rouge Parish Alarm Permit