| Home security systems and burglar alarms do a great | | | | windows are secure and tight. Connections that aren't |
| job of protecting your home and belongings. Like | | | | tight can produce an alarm by causing a break in the |
| most electronics, in the past several years, | | | | electrical circuit. |
| technology has advanced and prices have lowered, | | | | * Provide your home security service with up-to-date |
| making burglar alarm systems affordable for most | | | | contact information. If you change your home or cell |
| home owners. | | | | phone number, let them know. |
| Many of today's home security systems also offer | | | | * If your alarm goes off when there is no |
| protection against carbon monoxide, fire, or rising | | | | emergency, enter the cancellation code into the |
| water. But no matter how easy to use, intuitive, and | | | | keypad immediately, and then call your burglar alarm |
| sophisticated a burglar alarm is, it can still trigger false | | | | service to confirm. |
| alarms - which are expensive and annoying. And | | | | * Make sure there are no cobwebs or insects that |
| because they can divert police, fire, and EMT crews | | | | could set off your system's motion detectors. Have |
| from actual emergencies, they can also be dangerous. | | | | your pets cross the path of the motion detectors to |
| About three quarters of all false burglar alarms are | | | | make sure they don't trigger an alarm. If they do, |
| the result of user error. So there's quite a bit you can | | | | you can have your system adjusted so they don't. |
| do to prevent them. These are a few steps that will | | | | * Anything that causes drafts - fans, air conditioners, |
| ensure that your home security system only alerts | | | | heaters, or fireplaces - can make plants, curtains, or |
| the authorities when it's the real thing. | | | | other light objects move, and trigger an alarm. Even |
| * The most important thing is to make sure that you | | | | helium balloons and party decorations can cause false |
| -- and everyone who has access to your home - | | | | alarms. |
| know how to cancel an alarm if a false alarm has | | | | * If you have a wireless burglar alarm system, check |
| been triggered. When you first get your system | | | | your batteries often and change them when they're |
| installed, read the manual thoroughly. If there's | | | | low. It's also a good idea to test your system to |
| anything that you don't understand, ask your installer. | | | | make sure it's working properly. |
| Have each member of your family practice the | | | | * Find out how much your local law enforcement |
| procedure and then make sure anyone else who has | | | | agency or fire department changes for false alarms. |
| a key - maids, petsitters, etc. - knows what to do. | | | | Knowing that a false alarm could cost you $300 will |
| Put the telephone number you need to call to cancel | | | | help you prevent it from happening. |
| an alarm in a handy place where everyone knows to | | | | Following these simple precautions should help you |
| find it. And when you're going to test your system, | | | | reduce the likelihood of producing a false burglar |
| let the monitoring service know in advance. | | | | alarm that isn't cancelled in time to prevent action. |
| * Make sure all the connections on your doors and | | | | |