Reduce The Frequency Of False Alarms To Save Time And Money

April 25th, 2022



You might be surprised to learn that police and fire departments around the country spend thousands of hours investigating false alarms. The police department in Chico, CA is busy enough investigating real crime, but whenever an alarm is raised, they must take time to check it out. These false alarms can negatively impact the community when manpower is diverted to a non-emergency scene. Not only do false alarms cost a homeowner hundreds of dollars in fees, it can create a negative relationship between the homeowner and the security company if left unchecked. 

Why Is Your Home Alarm System Going Off? 

The first thing to do is figure out why your alarm system continues to go off. As a general rule, false alarms do not commonly occur due to faulty equipment or acts of nature. Though these causes do exist, they are rare. The most common cause of a false alarm is human error. Here are the typical things that can set off an alarm unintentionally: 

  • Using the wrong code on the keypad.

  • Authorized users who are not trained properly on how to use the system.

  • Failure to secure doors and windows once alarm is set.

  • Pets who wander into the area of surveillance. 

  • Hanging objects placed too close to motion detectors. 

  • Home renovations that can disable devices or trip the alarm system.

Take These Steps To Reduce False Alarms  

You want to feel safe when you are away from your Chico, CA home, but you also want to be sure that your home alarm system is not sending false signals to the local police when there’s nothing wrong. Once you figure out why your alarm system keeps going off unprovoked, take steps to prevent future events. Reducing the number of false alarms will save you time, money, and frustration.  

  • Know your password so that the monitoring company can verify you as the homeowner when they call. 

  • Keep all contact information up-to-date so the security company can reach you before calling the Chico, CA police department. 

  • Ensure that all users, from residents to visitors, are properly trained on how to use the system.

  • Keep all windows closed – even a slight breeze coming in can trigger an alarm. 

  • Install motions detectors higher than a pet can jump so that they don’t set off the alarm. 

  • Give your password to a trusted neighbor in case the alarm goes off when you’re not home. They can turn the system off before the police are dispatched. 

  • Service and maintain your system regularly. 

If All Else Fails, Check The System 

If you believe that your home security system is not working as it should, contact the security company first. A technician can check the status of the system and the devices for accuracy. If your system still won’t cooperate, we can help. We know the way to get to the heart of the matter so that false alarms can become obsolete. Contact us today from more information. 

What Our Customers Say

"I had the Alibi system installed several years ago. It has functioned flawlessly. The image quality is exellent both night and day and in all weather conditions. I particularly like the replay (which can be set at various speeds) and zoom functions of the system. Tech support from Crimefreeliving has been excellent. I have received quick responses to questions, and timely home visits — as when I changed IP carriers and my Alibi system needed to be reset. I have recommended Crimefreeliving to several friends."

Rich

"As a small business owner here in Chico we definitely saw the need for video surveillance. After expressing our needs and concerns Tim did an excellent job getting us set up with the set up with the appropriate equipment. He really took the time to address our concerns in a very friendly, professional and knowledgeable manner. I highly recommend Tim for all of your business and residential video surveillance needs."

Ron H., Owner/Auto Doctor

"I have to say I love having my security cameras at my home. Tim Truby did a wonderful job of installing the five cameras. He is very neat and cleaned everything up after the installation. He explained to me how to operate the monitor, my phone and IPad. However, I have had to call Tim because I'm not tech savvy and forget what he has told me. He usually just helps me over the phone and then all is well. I'm 80 years old and enjoy the comfort of knowing I have these security cameras."

Gloria

"Tim Truby designed and installed a 32 camera system for us here at the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District. We had received several other quotes from security system vendors, but Tim’s quote was the least expensive. Tim also installed the system quickly and has always been available when we needed him. We are very happy with our security camera system and we can highly recommend Tim Truby for all of your surveillance system needs."

D. Weseman, Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District

Crime Free Living updated our old video system with a new 16 Channel HD Alibi Video Security System. The old system had been added onto by different installers which resulted in a cabling mess. There were cables that worked and cables that went nowhere. It was a mess. Tim sorted it all out and installed cameras that are very clear. He also installed a monitor for our cashiers to watch hidden areas, a monitor to watch the entry door, and a monitor that allows employees to watch the outside parking and gas pump area. All work was done on time and very professional! Will always recommend Tim and Crime Free Living.

S. AM PM Chico Arco Station

"I had Tim install an Alibi Video Security System at my residence and a couple business locations. The remote view option is invaluable to absentee owners or anyone who travels a lot. The clarity and quality of the cameras have allowed for viewing employee theft. The evidence provided from the HD video cameras was fantastic! Tim was professional and provided extra value from his law enforcement background."

J. Folsom Arco Station

"Tim, I want to thank you again for doing such a fantastic job on installing a wireless IP security camera system at our dream home. The extra time that you took to hide wires, and install a clean, professional system is much appreciated. I still can’t believe the clarity, quality, and ease of use of this new system. I wished that I would have met you before our original inferior system was installed by another company. Now, whether I am at home, or monitoring the system from around the world, I know that my home and family are safe and sound."

John M.

"In April of 2017, my husband and I made a phone call to Crime Free Living that turned out to be a smart and wise decision. Amazingly, in just a few hours, Tim installed four Dome Security Cameras, weatherproof enclosures, and hooked up into our home a 23" Full HD Widescreen Security Monitor. Even more than his professional expertise was the time spent with us in making sure that this system was working correctly and properly installed on our phones so that anywhere in our travels we can monitor our new home in Magalia."

Tieka and Don S.

"I have been using Crime Free Living for the last couple years ar work and at home and I really recommend this product. Tim is a very good service provider. If he can't figure it out, he's got good tech support with the system that he offers."

Gary D.

"I have known Tim for over 10 years. To date, Time with Crime Free Living has installed two separate surveillance systems for my company. With each system, Tim has listened to my needs and custom dsigned surveillance systems for my specific needs and within my budget. The equipment used is always state of the art, the workmanship is top notch, and Tim is the example of trustworthy. I would recommend him for any job."

Steve D., Down Range Indoor Training Center

images Certifications & Training

With 16 years of experience in law enforcement, Tim Truby, CEO, is fully certified in video surveillance and training.

  • Certified Advanced Crime Prevention Specialist
  • Academy Instructor Certification
  • California POST Certification in Specialized Surveillance Equipment
  • California POST Certification in Basic Crime Prevention
    • Advanced Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
    • Certified Alibi Security Dealer
    • Enhanced Risk and Threat Assessment (FEMA)
    • Incident Command System (100 & 200)
    • Certified Cognitech Video Forensic Investigator
    • Neighborhood Watch Toolkit Trainer
    • Computer Crimes/Investigations
    • Domestic Crisis for Crisis Negotiators
    Call (530) 327-7268