What to Expect During an Alarm

Whether it's an emergency or your Brinks Home™ alarm system is triggered accidentally, you'll want to be prepared. Here's what to expect during an alarm, plus steps to take so you're properly notified and aware of potential triggers.

What Triggers an Alarm?

Various factors can activate an alarm, including human error and accidents, improper arming and disarming of the system, smoke detectors, pets, pests, lack of maintenance, unsecured entry points, and power issues.

What Happens During an Alarm?

The Primary Contacts on your account will be notified immediately. Burglary alarms will result in a call or text from our Alarm Response Center to verify the event and check your safety. You'll be asked to provide your code word. If you do not remember your code word, please text us at 469-513-8685 or chat with a Support Representative for assistance. Once we've verified your identity, we'll ask you to confirm if it's an emergency requiring dispatch or if it's a false alarm that can be cancelled. If we cannot reach the primary contacts, responding authorities will be dispatched. Our Alarm Response Center will then attempt to contact the secondary contacts.

💡It's important to properly maintain your system and ensure all users are aware of how to prevent false alarms.

💡You can quickly cancel or verify alarms in the Brinks Home™ Mobile App. If you're home, you can disarm the alarm through the panel.

How to Prepare for an Alarm

We recommend taking the following steps to make sure your account information is up to date:

Step 1: Your unique code word is used to verify changes to your account and when canceling or confirming an alarm. You can set up or update your code word in the Customer Portal. Hint: Choose a word that's memorable or discreet. This is not your master or user code. If you have already set your code word up but do not remember it, you can text us for help.

Step 2: Learn how to enable notifications in the mobile app. Customize your preferences, including text and email alerts.

Step 3: Confirm your emergency contact information in the mobile app or Customer Portal.

Tips to Prevent False Alarms

💡Test your system regularly, including door/window sensors and motion detectors, to ensure everything is working properly.

💡Be aware of objects (such as balloons, blinds, ceiling fans, plants, and curtains) within the range of a motion detector. Glassbreak sensors can be sensitive to high-pitched sounds nearby (such as dogs, birds, or loud electronics).

💡Make sure anyone who uses your security system has been properly trained, responds to alarms promptly, and knows the codes.