Many in the burglar alarm industry are concerned that fining people may prevent them from purchasing and installing an alarm system at all.  Some companies are looking to train customers on how to maintain alarms and limit the about of false calls.

Research shows that false burglar alarms come from three key areas:

•    Simple and avoidable errors such as doors or windows left open, not inputting the correct key code, pets or people walking around while sensors are set or other various avoidable situations
•    Poorly chosen or maintained equipment
•    Failing to properly install the system or sensors

Obviously these are not the only reasons a system may cause a false alarm, but these are the ones that are more easily managed by the user.

If you have an alarm system what can you do to reduce the chance of having a false alarm?

Not only are false alarms annoying to neighbors enough of them will cause them to stop taking the threat seriously.  Not to mention false alarms can cause you embarrassment and the evil eye from your neighbors.   In order to limit the potential for false alarms make sure you and everyone that lives or access the home knows the correct key code.  At night or when you leave do a check on all windows and doors to make sure they are securely closed, a door even slightly open can cause an alarm to go off.  Have your system checked annually, or anytime it appears to be malfunctioning, by an alarm maintenance company to make sure it is working properly.  You can also contact your local security company and they will provide you information on how to best reduce the number of false alarms.

It was estimated in 2002 that false alarms cost taxpayers a combined 36 million dollars, do your part to understand what you can do to limit your chance of having one.