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On the other side of the country, Fayetteville, Georgia has a similar problem. Last year police in that city responded to 2,200 alarm calls, 80% of which were false alarms. The City Council in the central Georgia town has responded by enacting brand-new fines ranging from $50-$300 per offense.
In cities all across the country authorities are doing what they can to reduce the number of false alarms so that police resources can be concentrated where they're needed. They need the help of homeowners, business owners, and alarm companies as well.
A Necessary Partnership
When it comes right down to it, false alarms are the responsibility of both the homeowner and alarm company. This would indicate a partnership is necessary between the two in order to control the problem.
From the homeowner's point of view, he is ultimately responsible both for making sure his alarm system is functioning properly and everyone in his house knows how to use it. Statistics show that a good number of false alarms are triggered by homeowner mistakes like:
- forgetting to confine the dog before leaving the house
- inadvertently leaving windows open or doors ajar
- failing to train guests in how to use the security system
As for alarm companies, they need to inspect alarm systems on a regular basis to ensure all the components are working as they should. Homeowners who have reason to believe their system isn't working properly should be able to expect a technician to come out as quickly as possible. An alarm company that is both proactive and responsive is one that will help cut down on the number of false alarms from its systems.
Systems too Sensitive
Statistics also show that alarm systems that are too sensitive are another big factor in causing false alarms. For example, a motion detector in a large family room may be adjusted for high sensitivity in order to pick up movement even in the room's furthest corners. But that high setting may make it easy for a pet to trigger the alarm simply by walking through the room. Determining system sensitivity is a balancing act that requires alarm companies and homeowners to work together.
Alarm systems are definitely great tools for homes and businesses alike. At the same time, something needs to be done about the number of false alarms generated every year. Municipalities like Corvallis and Fayetteville will be monitoring the situation and imposing fines as necessary until the number of false alarms is reduced to a more acceptable level.
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