When your home security system alarm goes off, it is vital to be prepared.  Preparedness can help get you ready for just about any scenario and keep you and your family safe in the event of a real break-in.

We have some helpful tips to help you keep the situation under control while putting your safety first.

When your security alarm sounds, it may be easy to panic, but you must try to remain calm.  If you panic, it will prevent you from being able to assess the situation.  Take a deep breath and try to focus.

The next thing to do is to verify whether the alarm is false. The great thing about modern smart security systems is that they offer an app, so you don’t have to go to the actual system to determine what set the system off.  Check your security app from your phone to read the alerts to help determine the reason the alarm sounded.

Keep in mind, there is always a chance that your alarm is sounding for no particular reason. If you determine that it was a false alarm, turn your system off and keep your phone nearby as your security system provider will try to call you.

If you have an older system, check for any notifications or messages appearing on the keypad display if it’s nearby.  However, don’t put yourself in danger to do so.

If you have ruled out a false alarm and you have an intruder, then it is imperative that you follow the next steps.

Keeping your phone with you is a must! Remember, your security company is instantly notified when the alarm is triggered and will be contacting you to help assess the situation.  When your home security company calls, they will ask for your password.  If you know it’s a false alarm and don’t want to notify the police, you must have your password ready.

If you don’t know your password, the authorities will be dispatched to your home.  Providing your password to your security company is a way for them to verify that you are who you say you are, or if you might be speaking under duress.

It is a good idea to plan for emergencies, especially a possible break-in.  Determine options on how you can keep your and your family safe should someone break into your home will help to ensure your family’s well being.  Also, keeping in mind that almost all situations involving a burglar, it isn’t a good idea to try and approach them. You are only endangering yourself and those around you.

During a break-in, you should determine if you can get out of your home safely.  If you can, try to get as far away as possible. Once you’re in a safe place, call 911.

If you cannot leave your home, the next best plan is to go to a room that you have designated as a “safe place.” This is a room that is as far away as possible from where a burglar could enter. Try securing the room by locking the door and barricading it.  It is also not a bad idea to have a deadbolt installed ahead of time on your bedroom door, or wherever you decide is a good place to designate as your “safe room.” Barricading and deadbolting the door will help buy time until help arrives, and it could help deter the burglar.

As you know, your security alarm sound alone should help scare away any potential burglars. With the advent of home automation and its integration with your security system, it is now possible to have your alarm system act as a burglary deterrent in more powerful ways than you may imagine.  Seamlessly sync security and essential smart devices to work together from wherever you are on one platform.  Read more about these powerful safeguarding integration options HERE!