Once you have signed up for the Abode monitoring service and enabled monitoring, there are some specific procedures you will need to familiarize yourself with. Regardless of whether your Abode system is professionally monitored or self-monitored, Abode Systems is not responsible for any false alarm fines of any kind.
The Abode system sends various types of alarm signals to the Central Monitoring Center (CMC). Each signal type has its own standard operating procedure for how it is handled. The goal is to respond to your alarm as quickly as possible while doing our best to avoid dispatching the authorities unless it is necessary.
! | NOTE Professional Monitoring is not available in Quebec, Canada. |
What types of alarms does Abode monitor?
Alarm type | What triggers it |
Burglary | A door, window, or motion sensor trips while the system is armed and the entry delay expires without disarming |
Panic | A Panic Button is pressed, or a panic signal is triggered from the Abode app |
Duress | A duress PIN is entered at the keypad, signaling to the CMC that the user is being coerced |
Fire | A linked smoke sensor or Smoke Alarm Monitor detects smoke |
Smoke | A smoke sensor triggers a smoke alert |
CO2 | A carbon monoxide detector is triggered |
Medical | A Panic Button configured for medical emergencies is pressed |
Visual alarm verification
The Abode system supports visual alarm verification. When an alarm is triggered, the CMC agent can view all captured images and video clips recorded during the alarm timeline. This helps the agent assess whether a human is present before deciding to dispatch the authorities, reducing the likelihood of a false alarm dispatch.
Abode app alarm verification
When an alarm is triggered, you will receive a notification in the Abode app with two options:
Option | What it does |
Verify Alarm | Confirms you believe the alarm is real. A confirmation signal is sent to the CMC and to other users on your account. The CMC will dispatch the authorities and begin calling your emergency contact list. |
Disable Alarm | Confirms the alarm is false. A cancel signal is sent to the CMC and other users. The CMC will abort any further action. If you cancel quickly, before the CMC has attempted to call your emergency contacts, they will not proceed with calling anyone. |
Your monitoring passcode
You must memorize your monitoring passcode. If the CMC calls you after an alarm is triggered, they will ask for your name and your passcode to verify your identity before taking or canceling any action.
! | NOTE If someone on your emergency contact list answers the CMC's call and gives an incorrect passcode, no passcode, or a fake passcode, the authorities will be dispatched. Make sure everyone on your contact list knows the monitoring passcode. |
Burglary alarm procedure
When a burglary alarm signal is received by the CMC, the following process takes place:
1 | The CMC receives the alarm signal. The customer has an average of 60 seconds to disarm the system and abort the alarm. |
2 | If the system is not disarmed within 60 seconds, the CMC agent begins reviewing the alarm timeline, including any captured images and video clips. |
3 | If no suspicious activity is found in the visual verification, the CMC begins calling the persons on the emergency contact list in the order provided, starting with the first number listed. |
4 | If the first contact does not answer, the CMC dispatches the authorities and continues calling the remaining contacts until someone answers. |
5 | If a contact answers and provides the correct passcode, the alarm can be aborted. |
6 | If a contact provides an incorrect passcode, no passcode, or a fake passcode, the authorities are dispatched. |
If the system is disarmed before the CMC dispatches the authorities, the agent will clear the alarm and take no further action.
If the disarm signal is received after the authorities have already been dispatched, the CMC will contact the authorities and inform them that an authorized user has canceled the alarm. It will then be up to the authorities whether they proceed to the home or issue a false alarm fine.
! | NOTE Abode Systems is not responsible for any false alarm fines. |
Reducing the chance of a false burglary alarm
User error is the most common cause of false alarms. The following steps can help prevent them:
• Ensure your entry delay gives you plenty of time to enter the home and disarm before the alarm triggers. Adjust the entry delay in the Abode app under Menu, System Settings, Time Delay.
• Make sure all users have quick access to a Key Fob, Keypad, or the Abode app to disarm the system.
• Ensure the pre-alarm entry delay beeps can be heard throughout your home. These audible beeps remind users to disarm. The beep setting is adjustable in the Abode app under Menu, System Settings.
• Consider placing an Indoor Siren in a central location for additional audible warning. The System Status Indicator, which blinks when the system is armed, is also a useful visual reminder and is particularly helpful for users who are hard of hearing.
✓ | TIP Contact support@goabode.com if you need help adjusting your system to reduce false alarms. The Abode support team is happy to help. |
Fire, smoke, and CO2 alarm procedure
When a fire, smoke, or CO2 alarm signal is received by the CMC, the following process takes place:
1 | The CMC begins calling the persons on the emergency contact list, starting with the first number listed. |
2 | If the first contact does not answer, the CMC dispatches the fire department and continues calling the remaining contacts. |
3 | If a contact is reached after the fire department has been dispatched and confirms it is a false alarm, the CMC will attempt to cancel the dispatch. |
4 | It is then up to the fire department to decide whether to cancel the response or continue to the premises. |
! | NOTE Abode Systems is not responsible for any false alarm fines. |
Panic and medical alarm procedure
When a panic or medical alarm signal is received by the CMC, the following process takes place:
1 | The CMC dispatches either the police (for a panic signal) or the emergency medical services such as the local EMTs or ambulance (for a medical signal), depending on the type of signal received. |
2 | After dispatch, the CMC begins calling the persons on the emergency contact list. |
! | NOTE Abode Systems is not responsible for any false alarm fines. |
Testing your alarm system
Before testing your alarm system, you should put your system into test mode. You can then test your system without triggering a real dispatch. To do so, navigate on your mobile app to Menu > Profile > Pro Monitoring Settings > and turn on Test Mode. Test Mode will last for 30 minutes then revert automatically.
✓ | TIP Put your system into test mode before any planned maintenance, battery replacements, or sensor testing to avoid accidentally triggering a real dispatch. |