FAQs • Holmdel Township, NJ • CivicEngage

How can backup batteries cause false alarms?: If you have false alarms after a storm, it may not be the storm that caused the alarm. If your batteries are not up to the job, a false alarm may be generated when your alarm system powers up after a power failure caused by a storm. Even a short power failure of a second or less may be long enough to cause a false alarm.

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Alarm Systems

1. What is a false alarm?: A false alarm occurs when an alarm is reported, and police or fire agencies respond and find no evidence of criminal activity or fire.

2. What is a backup battery?: Almost all security systems have a rechargeable battery that powers the system for a minimum of four hours in the vent of a power outage. If you have a wireless system, you may have several batteries in the sensors, as well as a backup battery.

3. How can backup batteries cause false alarms?: If you have false alarms after a storm, it may not be the storm that caused the alarm. If your batteries are not up to the job, a false alarm may be generated when your alarm system powers up after a power failure caused by a storm. Even a short power failure of a second or less may be long enough to cause a false alarm.

4. How can I reduce the chance that my battery will cause a false alarm?: Like all batteries, your backup has a useful life of about 3 to 5 years, but that life may be shortened if you have had several power outages. Your battery backup should be checked annually, or after any storm related false alarm, by an alarm technician, and replaced when needed.

Here are some ways to prevent false alarms:

Make sure that your doors and windows are all locked before arming the system.
Move your pets into an area that does not have a motion sensor.
Be sure that window dressings and plants are not affected by drafts from fans for air conditioning.
Their movement may cause a motion sensor to activate.
Test your system monthly. Always contact your alarm company before you test the system.
Have your system tested by a technician annually or anytime you have an unexplained false activation.
Educate everyone who lives or works at the alarm site on the proper operation of the system.
Never give a key to someone who is not familiar with the alarm system.

6. How many warnings can I receive before a summons is issued?: For the first and second false alarm in any 12 month period, a warning will be issued. For the third false alarm in any 12 month period, a fine of $150 shall be paid to the township. For the fourth or any subsequent false alarm, a fine of $300 shall be paid to the township.

7. What is the fee for an alarm permit?: Local alarms shall be registered, but no fee is charged.

8. How long can my outdoor audible alarm sound?: All audible signaling device shall be equipped with a timing device to limit the sounding of the signaling device to 15 minutes or less.

9. What is a central station response code?: This is question nine on the application form. This is a code that is given to your alarm company or monitoring station when your alarm sounds. We do not want the code number that operates your alarm system.