Non-Residential Alarm Users

Alarm system education and thorough training of all employees and personnel authorized to engage and disengage an alarm system is crucial to reducing Non-Residential false alarm incidents. User error, weather conditions, system malfunctions or improper installations, and a wide range of other reasons resulted in approximately 96 percent of all alarms in the 2014 fiscal year to be false.

Conducting regular, monthly alarm system training sessions with authorized personnel on how to properly engage and disengage the alarm system is highly recommended. Be sure to emphasize and provide:

  • Accurate passcodes and update when necessary
  • Changes/updates to the system
  • Knowledge of designated entry and exit doors
  • Importance of establishing visual check procedures prior to arming the system
  • Proper opening and closing procedures,
  • Procedures to disengage any accidental alarm activations.

Every business should have a detailed policy on how to prevent false alarms, especially during the busy holiday seasons.

  • Avoid careless use of alarm system during long working hours and holiday parties
  • Ensure authorized personnel are onsite to properly engage and disengage the alarm system
  • Keep seasonal decorations away from alarm system and motion sensors
  • Properly train temporary holiday employees (if authorized) on alarm system operation

To reduce Non-Residential false alarm incidents, check the property for:

  • Adequate training of alarm system users (new and experienced) and other authorized personnel, for example:
    • Managers
    • Supervisors
    • Shift Leads
    • Employees
    • Lawn care (if applicable)
    • Maintenance crew (electrician, house cleaner, plumber, etc.)
  • Items causing movement near or around motion sensors such as: drafts from air conditioners and heaters, balloons and other party decorations, curtains, fans, hanging signs, home décor, pets, plants, rodents, wildlife, etc.
  • Locked, loose or opened doors and windows

The alarm system’s monitoring station should not request to trigger an alarm to the Houston Police Department during a power outage, weather related or low battery situations, heat loss, or in the event of a change or upgrade of telephone or internet connection.