False alarms happen when the alarm is triggered, we are notified, and responders are dispatched to your house when there is no actual emergency. Although inclement weather and equipment or installation error can lead to false alarms, human error is the number one cause. Most false alarms are caused by using incorrect alarm codes, failing to secure all doors and windows before arming your system, re-entering the home after your alarm is armed, allowing pets to wander around the home and activating motion sensors, hanging objects by or around the motion sensors, and ignoring the low battery warning.
You can avoid false alarms by informing us of any changes to passcodes or authorized users, securing all doors and windows before arming your system, waiting approximately two minutes before re-entering your home after arming it, upgrading your standard motion detectors to “pet-friendly” versions, removing hanging objects that are in close proximity to motion detectors, and replacing your battery every three to five years.
The number of false alarms allowed depends on where you live. In Lafayette Parish, you are only allowed three false alarms before the police department charges a fine.