Top Tips to Prevent False Alarms in Your Business

Oct 6, 2024 | Fire Alarms, Intruder Alarms

False alarms are more than a headache for businesses – they waste valuable time and resources. Whether it’s your intruder alarm that is going off when it doesn’t need to be or worse your fire alarm setting off! The Fire Industry Association estimates that false alarms cost in excess of £1billion every year which is astronomical amounts of money.

Here’s how to keep your business security system sharp and silent

You can adopt everything detailed below yourselves as a business; it’s important that you nominate colleagues to be trained and responsible for the security and fire systems within your business.

Train Your Team:

  • Codes: Assign unique and complex access codes to all authorised personnel. Regularly update codes to prevent unauthorised access.

  • Alarm A-B-Cs: Provide comprehensive training for employees on arming, disarming, and bypassing the system. Include procedures for after-hours work or deliveries.

  • Silent Drills: Conduct regular silent drills to test employee response times and ensure everyone understands the system’s operation.

Sensor Smarts:

  • Pet-tection: For businesses with guard animals, consider pet-immune motion detectors to avoid accidental triggers.

  • Clear the Air: Keep motion sensor areas free of clutter, like boxes or displays, that could cause false alarms. Schedule regular cleaning to remove dust and cobwebs.

  • Window Warriors: Ensure all windows and doors have secure closures and weather stripping to prevent drafts or vibrations from triggering sensors.

  • Location, Location, Location: Strategically place sensors to cover vulnerable areas, like entry points and tills.

Environmental:

  • Climate Control: Sudden temperature changes can confuse some sensors. Discuss ideal temperature ranges with your security provider and maintain consistent settings.

  • Fan-tastic Fix: If your business uses exhaust fans, ensure they’re properly vented to prevent fumes from triggering smoke detectors.

  • Communication is Key: Inform your security company of any planned changes to the building layout that might affect sensor placement.

Technology Tweaks:

  • Upgrade Alert: Consider upgrading to a modern security system with advanced features like dual-technology sensors that reduce false alarms.

  • Visual Verification: Explore systems with video verification capabilities, allowing security providers to confirm a threat before alerting anyone.

  • Mobile Marvels: Invest in mobile apps that allow authorised personnel to remotely arm and disarm the system, reducing the risk of user error.

By implementing these tips, you can create a robust security strategy that protects your business while minimising false alarms. Remember, a well-maintained and well-understood security system is a silent guardian, keeping your business safe and sound.

If you need your fire or intruder alarm servicing and maintaining JKE are here to help! Contact us today by CLICKING HERE