Be comfortable using your security system. Read your manual thoroughly, and try the different functions of your system to make sure you know how everything works.

  Keep a sheet with simple operating procedures for the system handy. Write down the basic steps for arming and disarming your system on a small card and keep it in your wallet or purse. You’ll never forget what to do when coming back in the house.

  Make sure everyone who has a key to your home or business knows how to operate your security system. Users of your systems can include children, relatives, housekeepers, baby-sitters, gardeners and others. Remind visiting relatives, kids returning from school, and everyone else how to disarm the system when they come in.

  Be comfortable with how much time you have to arm and disarm your system. Your system comes programmed with a 30-second entry delay (if you use the delay mode when arming). See how long it takes you to enter the house and disarm the system during a normal day. How long would it take if you were carrying groceries or trying to get all the kids inside? If you need more time, call ORCA to have your entry time set higher.

  Label all your sensors. Keep a list of the sensors and the places they protect. This allows you to identify the source of any problems, and helps you work with ORCA to solve it.

  Maintain your system regularly. Periodically check to make sure that door and window contacts are in working order, and that motion sensors are working properly. Your system will let you know when you need to change the batteries.

  Securely close and lock all protected doors and windows before leaving. Make sure all doors and windows stay closed whenever your system is armed. Loose or open doors or windows can keep your system from arming, or cause an alarm after you leave.

  Keep pets, fans, heaters, ballons, etc. away from motion sensor areas. Look in your manual or call ORCA for help in setting up a "Pet Alley" that will make it harder for your pets to set off your motion detector. If your motion sensor seems especially sensitive where you’ve placed it, try moving to a different location or changing its sensitivity setting (the "1-2" switch on the back – ‘2’ is less sensitive).

  Contact ORCA if you are planning any home improvements or changes in your telephone service. New area codes, call waiting, and fax machines can affect the operation of your system. Other changes in your home can affect how your sensors communicate to the system.

  Don’t panic! When a false alarm occurs, disarm your system to reset the alarm. If you set off your alarm by accident, do not leave until you are certain that either the system is reset or ORCA calls to verify that everything is OK. Make sure you remember your password!

Adapted from "20 Tips for Dealers & End Users on Reducing False Alarms" Security Sales magazine August 1998