5 Easy Ways To Fix it
By Tony Navarrete
Traditionally an alarm system contains a control panel which is the brain of the system.
This unit should be located away from the keypad and the siren because if the control panel is disabled by an intruder it could potentially disable the alarm system.
As customary practice, the alarm system gives the homeowner some time to enter premises and disarm the system, normally 30 seconds this time could be extended if, the needs of the homeowner requires it. Failing to disarm the system within the first 30 seconds upon entering, the alarm will trip the siren but normally will not send the alarm signal to the central station after one-minute communication delay. This is done to avoid false alarms.
If an intruder enters from an entry door he has about one and a half minutes before the alarm signal is sent.
One and a half minutes could be an eternity for an intruder to find and disable the alarm system.
Once the alarm signal has been sent, the central station has to attempt to contact you before calling to dispatch authorities. You can easily add 3 or 4 minutes, before possible police arrival.
In recent years, alarm companies and manufacturers have introduced all-in-one systems. Where the control panel, keypad, and siren are all one unit.
I remember visiting a home where the burglar ripped the unit off the wall and sink it in water. The central station never got the signal, therefore the police were never dispatched.
What you can do?
Use GSM units to communicate with the central station. This the best practice for the alarm system to communicate with the central station. If you are still in the minority using telephone lines with your alarm system, upgrade as soon as possible. Years ago, most alarm systems communicate with the central stations thru telephone lines some experts have pointed out that the could be cut from the outside rendering the alarm useless.
Locate control panel in a not so obvious location Try to hide and protected it as much as possible.
If you have one of these all-in-one units, request your alarm company to include a feature called “smash and crash” this will allow the unit to send a signal as soon as the entry door is open and a second signal as soon as the system is disarmed. If the second signal is not received, because the panel has been disabled, then, it is considered a burglar alarm.
Consider asking your alarm company, shortening the one-minute communication delay programmed into your alarm system, only do this once you feel comfortable operating your system, remember they still have to call you before dispatching police, but many cities may impose a fine you if a false alarm is received. So try to balance to best suit your situation.
Install a surveillance system to complement your security. Remember in the best scenario, a police arrival may take up to 5 minutes from the time an entry door is violated. A Video feed may provide discourage to target your home and will provide important evidence.
