The heart of your basic DSC security system is the control panel. This resides in a locked metal cabinet generally located in the utility room. The panel connects all of the devices to the main user interface points such as a keypad or wireless key. It also communicates alarm events to the central monitoring station.
Second Line of Defense: Motion Detectors
Third Line of Defense: Smoke Detectors
Detects both smoke and heat
Alerts the central monitoring station about the nature of the alarm
Allows for quick fire dispatch and can protect possessions and pets when the family is not home
Causes of False Alarms
Human error is the largest single cause of false alarms!
1. Know your system and password!
2. Make sure all doors and windows are locked.
3. With motion or glass break detectors, make sure that windows are secured. A breeze can move curtains and plants, causing motion sensors to trigger. A glass break detector may react to outside noise.
4. Before setting your alarm system make sure family pets are in a "safe" area where they will not disturb motion sensors.
5. Do not allow any moving items to remain in an area where a motion sensor is located. Loose banners, fans and balloons cause false alarms.
6. Everyone with a key to your property should know how to operate the system and have a password.
No Password = Police Dispatch
7. Call your alarm company before tenting fumigation or remodeling your home to get advice on how to prevent false alarms from smoke detectors caused by fumes or dust.
8. Investigate all unexplained alarms. Have your system serviced on a regular basis.
9. Make sure that your emergency contact list is current and accurate.