Helpful Alarm Tips
Save time. Save money.
Get the best results from your alarm and alarm monitoring.
SAVE on having a staff or family member attend an alarm which could have been avoided.
SAVE on unnecessary patrol call-outs by keeping staff informed on workplace security protocol.
SAVE relationships with neighbours by being a responsible alarm owner.
SAVE on costly false alarms with the implementation of a few easy routine measures.
1Going on vacation? Let us know.
Whenever you go on vacation, please send an email to the control room (controlrm@surecomms.co.nz), noting the following information:
Applicable dates Call-outs for this period If anyone will be entering/staying in your home while you are away Any other security-related information pertaining to this period
2Pre-arrange emergency access.
Arrange for a trusted person or contractor (e.g. your patrol response company) to hold a spare set of keys to your home or business. Therefore, should an emergency arise, and you are unavailable or out of the country, access can be arranged.
3Keep your call-out list up to date.
Who we call when your alarm activates, depends on the information you have provided us. When things change - new staff; new mobile numbers etc. - please send the updated information to the control room via email (controlrm@surecomms.co.nz), at your earliest convenience. Having up to date information on hand enables our operators to action your account's alarm events as effectively and accurately as possible.
4Leave the mains power on - even when you go on vacation.
When the mains power is switched off, the alarm runs on the back-up battery instead. This contingency allows the alarm to stay online with our alarm monitoring receivers during short duration power outages. However, if you switch off the mains power then go on vacation for a week or more, the back-up battery will eventually go flat and the alarm will no longer be able to communicate with our receivers at all.
5Try not to leave windows slightly open.
When arming your alarm, try not to leave windows slightly open for ventilation - especially windows with curtains or blinds. Some detectors will detect a breeze as motion and will go into constant alarm.
6Switch off air conditioners/fans before arming.
When arming your alarm, switch off any air conditioners and/or fans. Some detectors will detect a breeze as motion and will go into constant alarm.
7Keep detectors clear.
Be sure to dust detectors regularly. Insects and spiders can cause false alarms. If applicable, also consider a pest control service - mice can run straight up a wall and trigger detectors, too.
8Check the alarm is armed, before you leave.
Check your alarm system is showing armed, before leaving the premises. If your account with us is Full Service (monitored times), the control room may call you later in the evening to advise the alarm has not been armed. This can be problematic if you have already driven home (across town), or left for a weekend away.
9Learn how to operate your alarm system.
Take a little time to learn how your alarm system works. The more you know, the better the system can serve your needs. If you are wanting to try out what you have learned, be sure to phone the control room (09 443 8003) beforehand, to advise you are testing, so our operators know not to action the alarm events.