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.
The siren will usually sound for around 5 to 10 minutes. The light will continue to flash until the alarm is rearmed or disarmed, this warns residents that the alarm has been activated while they were out if no monitoring systems are in place.
The alarm in your home security system is designed to be a deterrent to intruders, as well as alert occupants and draw attention to your home, whether that be from neighbours, passers-by or authorities. Systems will sound for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the system, before stopping and automatically re-arming.
If there's an emergency or you're unable to stop the alarm, consider contacting the alarm company's emergency support line. They might guide you through steps to silence the alarm or send a technician to assist you.
Call the non-emergency dispatch in your area. Explain the alarm in the neighbor's house has been going off for (however long it's been going off) and it's become a nuisance.
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.
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.
If it appears to be a false activation, contact the police on their non-emergency number as they may have the owner's contact details on their database. If it is a persistent problem, contact the local council or see the question in Related Information about noisy neighbours.
The problem could be as simple as a low or dead battery in one of your sensors, which can trigger burglar and smoke alarms. Pets could also be the culprit — if your sensors aren't calibrated properly or don't have advanced pet detection features. Here are our top picks for pet-friendly security systems.
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).
Remove the AC power to the home alarm console from the wall directly. Use your console's access key (or another item such as a small screw) to unlock and open the system's backing. Lastly, disconnect at least one of the wires that are attached to the system's main battery, which is blocky and noticeable in most units.
To turn off the sound or light, a button or handle on the clock is pressed; most clocks automatically turn off the alarm if left unattended long enough.
Alarms fitted to your home/business or vehicle should not become a source of nuisance to your neighbours, you have a legal responsibility to ensure that any alarm activated should ring for: a maximum 20 minutes - home/business.
ADT ranges from 10 to 30 seconds and Frontpoint ranges from 30 to 45 seconds, while Guardian and Xfinity are up to a solid minute. That's how long it takes for the alarm to go off in the first place. And these numbers represent the average. Several providers allow the homeowner to set the delay up to 2-3 minutes.
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.
All modern alarms switch off after 10 minutes. It's being proven that burglars target weaker properties with no alarms or really old ones. It's a gamble to them if an alarm goes off, does a neighbour or garda turn up within minutes if it's monitored.
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.
Reset the home security system
Even though you can turn the alarm off on your home security system without assistance, you cannot reset it on your own. Contacting the security company will allow you to have the system reset, although this may mean creating a new security code or pin number.
Call 911 to report an alarm going off right now. You can report a car, house, or other alarm that goes off too often or for too long. You should provide as much detail as possible about when the alarm goes off, what causes it, and in the case of a car alarm, a description of the car and its license plate number.
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.
Monitored alarms send a signal to a third party security company as soon as the alarm is triggered. The security company will assess the situation and immediately contact you, as well as the relevant authorities or emergency services if required.
A 45 second maximum entry timer is permitted, with a further fixed 30 second warning period, before Entry (unconfirmed) Alarm is notified to the ARC.