How do I know if my house alarm is going off?

Author: Arnold O'Reilly  |  Last update: Sunday, October 19, 2025

Most home security alarm systems don't just have an alarm - they also have a strobe light located at the front of the property. If an alarm has been triggered, the light will flash until the disarm/rearm code is entered into the keypad, even if the audible alarm has stopped.

How long does a house alarm go off before it stops?

Alarm cut-off devices

Alarm systems should have an automatic cut-off device fitted to stop the alarm sounding after 20 minutes. Most modern alarms have such a device already fitted, but cut-out devices can be fitted to older, existing systems.

What happens when a house alarm goes off?

First, your home security company is instantly notified when the alarm is triggered and will immediately be contacting you to assess the situation. They will also notify the authorities. Second, you can call someone outside of your home in order to get help.

What would trigger a house alarm?

What could trigger an alarm sensor? It depends on the type of sensor your home security system uses. If it's a motion detector, any moving thing could set it off, from a roaming pet to a wind-blown curtain. Contact sensors would be triggered by the window being opened or moved.

What should you do if you hear a house alarm going off?

One of the easiest, and first things anyone should do when an alarm is going off, is to simply knock on the door. In some instances, when an alarm is going off, it is likely that the siren is going off outside, and that the occupants of the property may not realise that the alarm is going off.

How to turn off burglar alarm & decommission

What to do if alarm goes off for no reason?

4 Steps to Take If Your Home Alarm Goes Off for No Reason
  1. Locate Pets or Small Children.
  2. Pet-Friendly Motion Detectors.
  3. Check for Dead Batteries.
  4. Tips for Changing Batteries in a Smoke Alarm.
  5. Have Your Sensors Checked.
  6. Home Alarm Goes Off for No Reason: Search for Signs of Wear and Tear.

How do you know if the house alarm is on?

Most home security alarm systems don't just have an alarm - they also have a strobe light located at the front of the property. If an alarm has been triggered, the light will flash until the disarm/rearm code is entered into the keypad, even if the audible alarm has stopped.

Can a house alarm go off by itself at night?

Here are the six most common reasons burglar alarms go off randomly: You've had networking or electrical work done recently. You've got pets (or pests) that are triggering sensors. One of your sensors is damaged or needs cleaning.

What can set off a house alarm?

Top Causes of False Alarms on Home Security Systems
  • Sensors Triggered by Pets. ...
  • Low Batteries or Bad Power Source. ...
  • Improper Installation. ...
  • Doors and Windows Left Open. ...
  • Bugs and Insects. ...
  • Aging Systems. ...
  • Falling Objects. ...
  • Human Error.

What is the first thing you should do if an alarm sounds?

If you are in a room or hallway when the alarm goes off, you should evacuate immediately. Proceed to the nearest exit and leave the building as quickly and safely as possible. Once you are out of the building, move to a safe location away from the building and await further instructions from emergency personnel.

Why would the house alarm go off randomly?

System Issues – Possible wear and tear, outdated components, or the need for servicing may cause false alarms. Environmental Factors – Open windows can let in wind which can cause objects to move and trigger sensors. Obstructions To Sensors – Dust, cobwebs, or even larger spiders near the sensors can set it off.

Does ADT call the police when an alarm goes off?

If you can be reached, the ADT Monitoring Centers will explain the signal, and tell you to vacate the premises immediately. Afterwards, or if the ADT Monitoring Centers cannot reach the premises, the agent will notify the Fire Department and a patrol agency if necessary.

What to do if your house alarm goes off in the middle of the night?

If Your Alarm Goes Off
  1. Stay Calm: The first and most important thing is to not panic. ...
  2. Check it's not a false alarm: If you have an app to control your alarm system, pull it up and. ...
  3. Go to your safe place: If you aren't sure if it's a false alarm, it's time to go to your safe place in the house.

How can I stop my house alarm going off?

How To Disable Home Security Alarms
  1. Make sure it's safe. First, make sure that you aren't currently being burgled. ...
  2. Enter your code. The quickest way to shut off an alarm is to enter your code to the control panel. ...
  3. Change your batteries. ...
  4. Check your transformer. ...
  5. Fix your landline connection. ...
  6. Read your user manual.

Who to call when an alarm is going off?

The Police will also respond to domestic alarms, when there is some evidence of criminal activity. Should there be an activation and there is evidence of criminal activity or you see something suspicious, please dial 999. It is not advisable to put yourself in danger by making checks yourself.

Do house alarms eventually stop?

Most modern alarm systems are fitted with an automatic cut-off device that will stop the alarm from sounding after 15 minutes, so chances are that if you wait, the alarm will stop on its own.

Do burglars leave if alarm goes off?

Most Burglars Admit Alarm Systems Deter Them

60% of the burglars claimed an alarm would change their minds. “The benefit of a security alarm comes more from deterring crime and limiting loss if a burglary does happen,” says Bill Nelson, owner of Nelson Alarm in Indianapolis.

Will my house alarm go off if I unplug it?

Most home monitoring services will automatically dispatch local police if your system loses power. Disconnecting wiring or causing the old system to lose power may set off a false alarm, resulting in an unnecessary emergency response that could land you with a fine.

What to do if your house alarm goes off and you dont know the code?

Say goodbye to the guessing games and those frantic hunts for the right code.
  1. Step 1: Check for Default Code (If Available) If you've forgotten or misplaced your burglar alarm's code, take a breath and don't panic. ...
  2. Step 2: Contact Alarm Provider. ...
  3. Step 3: Reset to Factory Settings. ...
  4. Step 4: Update the Code.

How do you test a house alarm?

6 Easy Steps on How to Test your Security Alarm System
  1. Set up the test with your monitoring station. ...
  2. Arm your security system. ...
  3. Trigger the alarm. ...
  4. Let the alarm go for one full minute. ...
  5. After one minute, turn the alarm off and reset it. ...
  6. Lastly, talk with your monitoring station.

Do house alarms call the police?

Will the Police respond to any burglar or Personal attack alarm? No, only ones that are Installed, Maintained and Monitored by an Approved company such as those accredited by the NSI or the SSAIB (e.g. not Verisure, some ADT products etc).

What are two warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning?

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” If you breathe in a lot of CO, it can make you pass out or kill you.

How to tell if alarm is fire or carbon monoxide?

Here's a simple guide:
  1. Smoke alarms alert you with three beeps in a row.
  2. Carbon monoxide alarms alert you with four beeps.
  3. A single chirp means the battery is low or the detector should be replaced.

What if the carbon monoxide alarm goes off but no fire?

False or nuisance alarms are when your smoke detector or CO alarm goes off, but there is no presence of smoke or carbon monoxide in your home. However, if your smoke or carbon monoxide detector sounds indicating an emergency and you are not certain it is a nuisance alarm, evacuate the home and call 9-1-1.

Previous article
Is it cheaper to run fan without AC?
Next article
What makes a door rattle?