In 1981, Montgomery County, MD, enacted the nation’s first false-alarm reduction ordinance designed to eliminate the misuse of police and fire department resources. Since then, five states and hundreds of communities,including dozens in Illinois, have written -and re-written – similar laws to cut down on unneeded dispatches that imperil officers and others on the roadways.While some people claim such laws are a “cash grab” similar to red light camera fines, it’s indisputable that these regulations reduce false alarms.
Since 1995, when Montgomery County implemented an alarm management program modeled after the Electronic Security Association’s Model Alarm Ordinance, there has been a 42 percent reduction in false alarm dispatches. More telling is that during the same period, there was an increase of 117 percent in the number of alarm users who registered with the county!
PREVENTATIVE MAINTANANCE
Did you know smoke alarms have a 10-year lifecycle? As with most electronics, security system components degrade over time, thus compromising life safety. Normal contaminants like dust, water or bugs can cause problems with smoke detectors. Other factors like voltage fluctuation, heat, cold and humidity may cause component failure. Even remodeling or using space for a new purpose can produce nuisance alarms that could result in fines.
CALL FOR AN ANNUAL INSPECTION
Most security system manufacturel recommend an annual inspection and test after installation. That’s why LaMarCo Systems suggests you call to schedule a complete, professional inspection each year. This includes:
- Testing devises to meet exact manufacturer specifications
- Sending signals to the central station to ensure proper communication
- Verifying batteries are properly charged
- Discounted parts for component replacements or upgrades
To ensure your system operates at peak condition throughout its lifecycle, have your system tested each year because even the best-designed security system can become ineffective if improperly maintained or neglected.