How to Respond When Your Alarm Goes Off: A Local Guide
Hearing your alarm go off can be stressful. Whether it’s at home in Merewether or at a business in Newcastle CBD, knowing how to respond can make the difference between a quick resolution and unnecessary risk. Many people aren’t sure what to do when the siren sounds—especially if the system isn’t professionally monitored. Here’s a practical guide for Newcastle property owners.
Step One: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first and most crucial step is to stay calm. False alarms are standard and often triggered by pets, open windows, or faulty sensors. Take a moment to check whether there are any obvious signs of forced entry before approaching.
The peace of mind that comes with a monitored alarm system is invaluable. If Your Alarm is monitored, you’ll usually receive a phone call within moments of the alarm triggering. The monitoring centre may ask for a password or code to confirm your identity. If you confirm it’s a false alarm, the process ends there. If not, they can dispatch security personnel or notify local police if required.
If Your Alarm is Unmonitored
If you don’t have monitoring, the responsibility is on you or a nominated keyholder. In this case:
- Do not rush inside if you suspect a break-in.
- Call the police if there are signs of forced entry.
- If it seems like a false alarm, carefully reset the system and note the cause for later troubleshooting.
False Alarm Tips
False alarms can be disruptive and can even reduce trust in your system if they happen too often. Common causes include:
- Insects or dust are interfering with sensors.
- Pets triggering motion detectors.
- Low batteries or faulty wiring.
- Doors or windows are not adequately secured.
Regular maintenance and professional servicing are key responsibilities that can help reduce these triggers, making your system more reliable and effective.
FAQ: Alarm Response in Newcastle
Q: What should I do if my alarm goes off at night?
A: Stay calm and avoid rushing into the property. Look for signs of forced entry from a safe distance. If you suspect a break-in, call the police. If it’s a monitored system, wait for the monitoring centre to contact you before taking further steps.
Q: How do I know if an alarm is a false trigger?
A: False alarms are often caused by pets, insects, dust, or unsecured doors and windows. If there are no signs of forced entry and your monitoring service confirms no suspicious activity, it’s likely a false trigger.
Q: Do I need to call the police every time my alarm sounds?
A: No. Call the police only if you see evidence of a break-in or if you feel unsafe entering the property. For monitored systems, your security provider will make the call if needed.
Q: How can I reduce false alarms in my home or business?
A: Regular servicing, keeping sensors clean, replacing batteries, and ensuring doors and windows are secure before arming the system will reduce false alarms.
Q: Should I have a monitored alarm in Newcastle?
A: Monitored alarms provide faster response and support if something goes wrong, making them a strong option for businesses and homes in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Hunter.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to respond when your alarm goes off means you’ll act safely and effectively, empowering you to take control of the situation. If your system is monitored, follow the instructions from your security provider. If it isn’t, take care not to put yourself at risk by entering a potentially compromised property.
📍 At Newcastle Locksmiths & Security, we install and service alarm systems in Newcastle and the Hunter region. If false alarms are becoming a problem—or if you’d like to explore monitored options—our team can provide practical advice tailored to your property.