64 - Friday, August 21, 1996 ~ North Shore News False alarms degrade home security systems Heinz Kreutz Contributing Writer IN today’s world there is a growing need for the security of know- ing that your valuables are safe at home or at work. need has spawned a growing industry. And although it's great for those of us in the industry, it has created a fot of chaos and confusion for the consumer. After all, how do you know whar security system i best for you with ail ch “package deals” and “basic systems™ or even the “com- plete basic system?” Added to the marketing jargon are the increased problems of false alarms and systems that only a rocket scientist can operate. In con- trast, computer purchases seem like a cake walk. Protecting yourself and your valuables should not be an arduous task. A security system, by definition, should provide 3 vou with a feeling of security, not confusion. A security system is a long- term purchase, and since you have to tive with ir, considering how it will affect your lifestyle should be part of your purchase decision. ‘In the next few weeks we will examine the various components of.security sys- tems and what te look for, as well as what to avoid when purchasing that all important peace of mind. False Alarms With the recent increase in false alarm awareness, many people have been either opt- ing out or delaying the pur- chase of a security system. have distanced from. th sion- making process, by buy ing whatever is suggested to them by the salesperson, without even considering how appropriate this system is for their needs and De pe nding on whe vou ask, the “main™ cause of false alarms varic The suspects are: installations, faulty equip- ment, environmental, pets, or user error. Although these are ali valid factors that should, and will be addressed, there is also the problem of misapplications or, simply put, improper sell- ing. In speaking with many alann salespeople or security consultants, as they are sometimes referred to, J have faulty noticed a disturbing trend of alack of industry knowledge. Although some — very knowledgeable security con- sultants are out there, there is no official set of guidelines or training. Sure, if you ask them what a motion detector or a door contact is most will know the answer. It is in assessing the customers” real security seeds thar some tend to Japse. This statement ® not meant to discourage von Tram purchasing a secu- rity. system, bur merely itended ta encourage vou, as with any major purchase, to knew what vou are buv- ing. s will he covered in the xcction on determining your security needs. A few common causes of user-initiated false alarms are: windows left ajar, too short delay times; taking too jung to come in or leave, re- entering the home just after leaving without disarming fassuming the exit delay is cnouyn to compen- sate); decorations hanging by or around motion derectors; pets; and of course improper testing. T remember a particular customer that would insist on testing out her alarm sys- tem and not notifying the monitoring station, in order to measure the police response time. This caused absolute havoc with both the moni- toring station and police to the point where her system was disconnected trom mon- itoring. — Heins Krewts is the owner of KeepSafe Systems, a Vancouver-based company which serves the entire Lower Mainiand. He will provide | further informacion and secu- sity advice as space allows. Contact him at 874-8772. MARCO REICHGELD 9824-0603 B Your Neighbourhood Real Estate Expert GARDEN PARTY $262,000 3666 HOSKINS ADO. 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