Does SimpliSafe alert authorities? Yes, SimpliSafe alerts authorities if you subscribe to its professional monitoring plan (24/7 Monitoring). When alarms trigger, SimpliSafe’s monitoring team verifies emergencies via phone or camera checks and contacts police/fire departments on your behalf. Without a plan, the system only sends alerts to your phone.
What Are the Main Types of CCTV Cameras?
How Does SimpliSafe’s Professional Monitoring Service Work?
SimpliSafe’s 24/7 Monitoring connects your system to a UL-certified monitoring center. When sensors detect intrusions, smoke, or water leaks, the center attempts to contact you via phone or app. If they confirm an emergency or can’t reach you, they dispatch local authorities. Response times average 30-45 seconds, ensuring rapid intervention.
The monitoring centers employ trained professionals who follow strict protocols to assess threats. For fire alerts, operators prioritize contacting occupants first to ensure safe evacuation before notifying fire departments. Integration with SimpliSafe’s cameras allows visual verification of break-ins, reducing false dispatches. Subscribers also receive real-time updates through the mobile app, including timestamps of when authorities were notified and estimated arrival times.
| Monitoring Feature | Response Protocol |
|---|---|
| Intrusion Detection | Two-call verification + camera check |
| Fire/Smoke Alarms | Immediate occupant contact + fire dispatch |
| Water Leaks | App notification + suggested mitigation steps |
What Happens During a False Alarm with SimpliSafe?
If SimpliSafe’s monitoring team detects a false alarm during verification (e.g., user cancels via app or confirms no emergency), they abort authority notification. Repeat false alarms may incur local fines, but SimpliSafe doesn’t charge penalties. Users can adjust sensor sensitivity and setup zones to reduce accidental triggers.
Common causes of false alarms include pets triggering motion sensors or doors/windows with loose seals activating entry sensors. SimpliSafe’s app allows users to temporarily disable specific sensors during activities like cleaning or moving furniture. The system also provides monthly reports highlighting frequent trigger sources, enabling users to optimize device placement. For recurring issues, SimpliSafe’s support team offers free troubleshooting sessions to recalibrate equipment.
| False Alarm Cause | Prevention Tip |
|---|---|
| Pet movements | Use pet-immune motion sensors |
| Drafty windows | Adjust entry sensor alignment |
| Steam from showers | Relocate smoke detectors |
“SimpliSafe’s dual verification process sets industry standards for minimizing false dispatches. Their integration of camera verification for monitoring subscribers reduces unnecessary police deployments by ~37% compared to traditional systems.” — Home Security Industry Analyst
FAQs
- Does SimpliSafe call the police for break-ins?
- Yes, but only with an active 24/7 Monitoring plan. The team verifies intrusions via two-factor authentication before dispatching police.
- Can I test SimpliSafe’s authority alert feature?
- Yes. Schedule a test mode session through the app to simulate alerts without triggering real emergency responses.
- What if I can’t answer SimpliSafe’s verification call?
- The monitoring center will dispatch authorities after two unanswered calls (within 30-60 seconds). Ensure your emergency contacts list backups.