False Alarm Management & Prevention QUIZ  

- True or False

1. The alarm panel transformer must be plugged into a switched power 24-hour outlet.

True - The alarm system must have AC power 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If the power is off for more than (30) minutes, please call your alarm company. 

2. The control panel battery will last five (5) years.

False - The battery's life depends on how often power outages occur.  It also depends on how many accessories the system is driving (i.e., keypads, motion detectors, smoke detectors, etc.)

3. You do not need to lock doors and windows before you arm your system.

False - Be sure all doors and windows are completely closed and locked.   Many perimeter doors and windows are moved by wind, pets, etc.  In addition if an unlocked door is opened by a person, pet, wind, etc., the alarm is activated and the responding agency responds.  It is considered a false alarm by all security companies. Security companies require you to lock and secure all doors and windows before arming the alarm system.

4. Shaking a door should not set off the alarm.

True - If you are able to shake a completely closed and locked door and set off the alarm, you need to adjust and tighten the door or have your alarm company install a different door contact. If you can shake the door, so can a strong wind.

5. Every person who uses the system only needs to know their password or identification code for verification with the monitoring centre.

False - Every person who uses the system and who has access to the alarmed premises, should know their password or identification code for verification with the central station, the telephone number for the central station and all cancellation procedures.

6. False alarms caused by normal weather conditions are not considered false alarms and are defined by most city municipalities as an Act of God.

False - Normal weather patterns are not unusual or unexpected.  Most false alarm activations that occur during normal weather conditions are caused by low batteries and power outages. These are preventable false alarms. 

7. Is it Chubb’s responsibility to contact you in the case of an accidental activation?

False – You need to immediately notify the Chubb Monitoring Centre of the false activation. 

8. Its Chubb’s responsibility to update key holders and other information pertaining to the protected premises

False – It remains the Customers responsibility to notify Chubb of the changes in writing.

9. If I enter my business premises after hours or outside normal hours it will inform the Monitoring Centre.

True – If the system has been set up this way, customers should call the Monitoring Centre and inform them that they are entering out of the scheduled hours.

10. Incorrect entry / exit delays or the use of an entry exit point that has not been set up with a specified delay can cause false alarms.

True – On installation only the selected doors will be programmed with a delay zone including a specific time frame 10,20,30 sec for example. The use of an additional entry point will cause the alarm to activate immediately as the additional areas will not be programmed with a delay.

11. Remote panic buttons that are kept in handbags cannot activate when in close range of the premises.

False -  A panic button is very similar to a cell phone, if left in your bag, it can be accidentally activated by pressing on other items. It is always advisable to keep your panic buttons in safe places also away from small Children.

Multiple Choices

1. The most common reason for false alarms:

a) Equipment problems
b) Weather
c) Human error
d) None of the above
Correct Answer: c) Human error is recorded as the cause of 60% of false alarm activations

2. Which of the following items can cause a motion detector to falsely trip?

a) Windows left open
b) Ceiling fans
c) Pets
d) All of the above
Correct Answer: d) All of the above. Windows left open can cause false alarms if the motion detector is flush mounted. Ceiling fans cause air movement and can cause false alarms. If pets are on your premises while the motion detector is on, be sure the detector and lens are designed to provide a pet alley. However, even a pet alley may not work well with cats or multiple pets.

3. When your system has had a false alarm activation, you should do the following:

a) Wait and see if a second false alarm occurs
b) Contact your alarm company to cancel the pending response
c) Determine what caused the false alarm and take corrective steps
d) Turn off the alarm system
Correct answer: b) Contact your alarm company to cancel the pending response also determine what caused the false alarm and take corrective steps immediately.

4. An alarm system is like:

a) A shoe
b) A doormat
c) A car
d) A dog
Correct answer: c) An alarm system is like a car. Periodic maintenance can save false alarms, trouble and expensive repairs, and over time components may need to be replaced.

5. The control panel battery should be replaced a minimum of:

a) Every year
b) Every one to two years
c) Every two to three years
d) Every four years
Correct answer: c) Every one to two years. In some cases, the battery may last for five years. However in South Africa, the life is usually 1-2 years. This is due to our extreme summer heat and power outages and fluctuations. The more often your power is out, the more often the battery will need to be replaced.

6. Some system sensors are equipped with batteries. These batteries should be replaced:

a) Every year
b) Every one to two years
c) Every two to three years
d) Every four years
Correct answer: a) Every year. The replacement batteries should be the exact standard part that is recommended by the manufacturer. For example, if alkaline batteries are specified, do not use lithium. If in doubt, call your alarm company or read the owner's manual.

7. You are required, by Chubb, to inspect and service the alarm system:

a) At least once every twelve months
b) At least once every six months
c) At least once every two years
d) At least once every five years
Correct answer: a) You are required, by Chubb, to inspect and service the alarm system at least once every twelve months. You can perform these duties yourself, or contact Chubb and consider having a maintenance agreement. Please be aware, if you are unfamiliar with the equipment or have not been trained, you may damage the equipment. If in doubt, have Chubb perform this service.

8. You should perform a visual check and routine service on the alarm system once a month. Which item(s) would be included in the monthly check and service:

a) Check all contacts to make sure they are tight and clean
b) Dusting around motion detectors and smoke detectors
c) Check of doors and windows for warping, loose doors and loose contacts
d) Check any wiring if possible
e) All of the above
Correct answer: e) All of the above. Door and window contacts can be knocked loose or may need cleaned. Your alarm system manual or your alarm company can tell you how to easily clean the contacts. Use a feather duster around motion detectors and smoke detectors once a month. The area around the detectors should be checked for dust, cobwebs and insects. Check all doors and windows for signs of warping or loose contacts. It is also a great time to make sure you cannot set off your alarm by shaking the door. If possible, visually check any wiring. Rodents can chew on wires, causing false alarms.

9. The highest call for response by most major response companies are :

a) Domestic disputes
b) Burglaries
c) Traffic Accidents
d) Burglar alarms
Correct answer: d) Burglar alarms. Unfortunately, 98% of the burglar alarm calls responded to by Chubb are false alarms. False alarms unnecessarily waste resources and are an aggravation for you. Won't you help us make a difference?  Maintain your alarm system,  learn to use it  properly,  follow your alarm contractors advice, teach others on how to use the system,  teach them how to abort a alarm dispatch if its a false alarm.