Tips for Avoiding False Alarms and Frivolous Calls

False alarms, frivolous 9-1-1 calls, and pranks such as phony bomb threats are overwhelming the emergency response system nationwide. These incidents are more than an inconvenience. They waste the time and energy of law enforcement and other emergency personnel who may be needed to respond to real life-or-death emergencies. Every year, police and fire departments waste a significant amount of time and money responding to nuisance complaints and false alarms.

Preventing False Alarms
Anti-theft alarms were designed to protect lives and property. When properly installed, used, and maintained, alarms can bring a sense of security and peace of mind. When misused, they are a liability. False alarms are usually accidental, most often caused by user error (using incorrect keypad codes, failing to train users, failing to secure doors and windows), poor installation, and faulty equipment. There are many steps alarm owners can take to prevent false alarms.

Home or Business Alarms

• Lock doors and windows properly.
  
• Properly train all users (e.g., babysitters, children, relatives, visitors, etc.).
• Know what to do if you accidentally set off the alarm system.
• Write down the procedures for activating and deactivating the system, and make them available near the control panel.
• Place the alarm monitoring center’s phone number near the phone or control panel.
• Do not leave codes or passwords with instructions or in unsecured places.
• Make sure your emergency contact names and phone numbers are updated with the alarm-monitoring center.
• If you have a local alarm (those without monitoring companies), post emergency contact phone numbers near the front door of the premise.
• Before activating an alarm system, securely close and lock all windows and doors, and make sure pets, fans, plants, and balloons are away from motion sensors.
• Service and maintain the system (including batteries) properly.

Vehicle Alarms

• Lock doors, take keys, remove or hide valuables.
• Use an anti-ignition device or other engine-disabling device.
• Use secured parking.
• Use a steering-wheel lock.
• Set the sensitivity to a level where only an actual break-in will be detected. Loud or large trucks, buses, trains, or other vibrating noise should not set off your system.
• Adjust the amount of time the siren or horn sounds to the minimum. One or two minutes is more than sufficient.
• Employ an alarm system with a pager that notifies you if your alarm has been activated.
• Place an emergency number or pager number on the vehicle window. This will assist neighbors or the police in locating you if your system is repeatedly having false alarms or in the event of an actual crime.

Using the 9-1-1 System

Ever since Congress passed legislation in 1968 making 9-1-1 a standard emergency number nationwide, countless lives have been saved due to faster response by police, fire, and medical personnel in emergency situations. Approximately 200 millions calls are made to 9-1-1 in the United States each year, with about one-third made from wireless calls.

When you dial 9-1-1 from a landline, your call goes to the nearest 9-1-1 center where the call taker receives your information and dispatches emergency help. New technology allows many call takers to see your phone number and address on a computer display. When you call 9-1-1 from a wireless phone, your call may not be routed to the nearest 9-1-1 center, and the call taker may not receive your callback phone number or your location. It is important to clearly state your telephone number and location whenever you call 9-1-1.