Reducing False Alarms among

Vacation Goers
Regional District of Central Okanagan

Aiman Ridwan Mohd Hafash - Bonnie Lutta - Ji Zhan - Simer Dhaliwal - Isaac Parra
August 10th, 2018
Group 7
APSC 201 Students
3333 University Way
V1V 1V7, Kelowna BC

August 8, 2018

Susie Cutting
RDCO Administrator
1450 KLO RD
V1W 3Z4, Kelowna BC

Dear Ms. Cutting,

Our technical report “How to reduce false alarms among vacation goers” aims to reduce

the strain on police resources by educating the largest number of potential vacation goers

possible with the proper measures to implement in their home to prevent false alarms during

their travels.

We believe that both vacation goers that leave their home empty and those who have a house

sitter should be targeted through a checklist for each respective audience to increase the accuracy

and comprehensiveness of the checklists. We would like to use social media to promote the

checklists by reaching a large audience and since modern research indicates that instagram is the

fastest growing platform we would like to incorporate the existing account of the RDCO and

post our download links in the biography of the instagram account

We believe that extensively developing the existing RDCO instagram account through

engagement of the audience whilst sustaining loyal attentive followers and creating a network of
promotion will allow for the greatest exposure of our checklist and lead to the largest number of

people using the checklist for their own homes.

We as a team greatly appreciate the opportunity RDCO has given us, as well as your time. We

take pride in the work we have done and hope that our solution proves useful. If there are any

questions or concerns about the contents of our report please contact us at:

dhaliwal.simmer@gmail.com

Sincerely,

Simer Dhaliwal
 ii

Table of contents
Table of contents ii

Executive Summary iii

1.0 Introduction 1

2.0 Target Audience 2

2.1 When do people usually go for vacation and where? 2
2.2 Alarm triggering causes 2
2.3 Differences in the use of house sitters 3

3.0 Media Chosen 4

3.1 Pictures provide a visual representation of a message. 4
3.2 Instagram is the fastest growing social media network. 4
3.3 Instagram has a high engagement rate. 4
3.4 Instagram requires little maintenance 5

4.0 Information uploaded on Instagram 6

4.1 Attract audience’s attention 6
4.2 Provide current facts regarding false alarms 6
4.3 Tips on false alarm prevention 7

5.0 Method of reaching audience 8

5.1 Contests 8
5.2 Partnerships 8
5.3 Advertisements 9

6.0 Checklist 10
6.1 Reason behind the utilization of a checklist 10
6.2 Why is it relevant to our audience? 10
6.3 Checklist design 11

7.0 Conclusion 12

References 13

Appendices 15
Appendix A 15
Picture 1.0 15
Picture 2.0 16
Picture 3.0 17
Appendix B 18
Checklist 1.0 18
Checklist 2.0 20
 iii

Executive Summary
With an aim of reducing the amount of false alarms, The Regional District of Central

Okanagan False Alarm Reduction Program has utilized several methods that have proven

unsuccessful towards solving the problem. For this reason, the following technical report has as

its main objective to provide a solution to the situation

Examples of three images to be posted on the social media site and the checklist are

shown on the appendix and are referenced throughout the paper for further discussion, in

addition other points regarding the utilization of instagram as our social media platform. These

are then analyzed by dividing the research in five main parts.

First, an explanation on the audience chosen and their relevance regarding the causing of

the issue which are accidental/false alarms. Second, an analysis on the reason behind the

utilization of a social media platform, more specifically instagram as the means of raising

awareness. Third, the posts (images that are going to be posted on instagram) will be broken

down into their components and their relevance regarding the prevention of false alarms and the

target audience. Fourth, the method on the intents to reach the audience are examined by

breaking it down into three subpoints which are contests, partnerships and advertisements.

Finally, a thorough analysis will be made on the reasons behind the utilization of a checklist as

the tool of information.

Lastly, with these tools, we hope to provide the false alarm prevention program with a

better alternatives towards solving the issue.

 1

1.0 Introduction
The Regional District of Central Okanagan False Alarm Reduction Program is an

organization that has as its main objective to reduce the amount of false alarms. In addition to the

creation of a better platform for the payment of fees, and an easier registration and renovation of

licenses so as to make sure each alarm in every active site has a valid permit as per bylaw #1382.

Despite efforts to reduce the amount of false alarms in the Central Okanagan, they’ve

proven unsuccessful since a greater awareness for correct system operation and the application of

bylaw #1382 is still required. Among their attempts to provide people with the correct

information are the utilization of social media, and downloadable pamphlets containing specific

advice on how to prevent false alarms. In addition, the RCMP has relayed on a non-intuitive

manual registration and online payment processes which are challenging to understand. Although

several solutions where implement the additional steps and procedures makes the processes far

more complicated.

Since one of the main issues is the lack of awareness when it comes to correct operation

and setup of alarms, the solution proposed will be mostly aimed towards the reaching of a higher

audience. To accomplish this, the social media platform of instagram will be utilized. Although

the organization already has a social media page, further examination showed that it didn't

contained any appealing information, visuals nor a high amount of followers. In order to further

expand the RDCO’s false alarm social media page, the main focus will be on the inclusion of

new interactive posts and contests to keep an engaged audience. Additionally, the page will

provide download link to an informative and appealing checklist with the aim to further inform

and provide people with essential points in the proper control of the alarm system.
 Mohd Hafash
Target Audience
2

2.0 Target Audience

Vacation goers are among the highest people causing false alarms in Kelowna. According to the

previous interview with Susie Cutting, she mentioned that in residential site, vacation goers

contribute as the fourth highest cause of triggering false alarms right after real estate people

(Cutting, personal communication, July 13, 2018). This is why it is important to address these

people in fighting against waste of police resources. Canadian people generally do not go for

vacation all the time, but the statistics did mention a worrying number among people residing in

Okanagan triggering false alarms when they were away from their home.

2.1 When do people usually go for vacation and where?

There is no exact record online where Kelowna people usually go for vacation but generally,

Canadian people who went travelling abroad visit the United States of America, followed by

Mexico and Europe (Statistics Canada, 2010). This will leave the house unoccupied for quite a

long time as the destination is quite far away from Canada. In average, Canadian people spend

17.6 nights per trip when travelling overseas (Statistics Canada, 2010). Leaving a house for more

than two weeks requires proper maintenance. Even though you do not hire any house sitters,

someone needs to make sure what actually happens to the house in case of the alarm system is

set off.

2.2 Alarm triggering causes

The most common false alarm triggered during vacation time is the motion detector alarm. This

alarm is set to the highest sensitivity that even the slightest movement of the curtain done by the
 Mohd Hafash
Target Audience
3

wind can set off the system. According to Advance Tech, one of the common causes of false

alarm we found is user error, especially by those taking care of the house while the owners are

gone (Common Reasons for False Alarms in Security Systems). When they are looking after the

house, they forget the procedure to disable the alarm before entering which sets off the system.

Not only that but, when the alarm is triggered, they were unable to cancel it because they lose or

forget the codes to disarm it.

2.3 Differences in the use of house sitters

People going for vacation without having house sitters need to rely on trusted relatives or at least

the surrounding neighbour. If the alarm system gets set off, the people entrusted to look after the

place need to make sure whether it is really an emergency case or just an accidental triggering of

the alarm system. After that, they can report to the homeowner the status of the house and decide

to disable the system right away even without their permission if the system is faulty.

Neighbours or trusted relatives do not meddle around the property frequently, so they are

unlikely to trigger them in the first place. However, people that are tasked to become a house

sitter are exposed to the alarm system in the house. So, they are more likely to trigger the alarm

system unintentionally if they are not taking any precautions. Some vacation goers leave their pet

in care by the house sitters as well.

 Lutta
Media Chosen
4

3.0 Media Chosen

We chose instagram as our way of reaching the target audience. Instagram is a social media

network where users share pictures and short videos. This decision to use instagram as our media

is based on certain factors. These factors include;

3.1 Pictures provide a visual representation of a message.

By posting eye catching photos on instagram, our audience will be able to have a visual

understanding of our message. Pictures make it simpler for understanding and can be catchy if

they are well designed. In addition, pictures/images get people’s attention easily as stated by

James Balm in an article. “Visuals are one way of grabbing your audience’s attention and

gaining interaction. With this in mind, you can use these images to drive users to research.”

(Balm, 2014).

3.2 Instagram is the fastest growing social media network.

There has been a gradual increase in the number of instagram users over time. “As of June 2018,

the mainly mobile photo sharing network had reached 1 billion monthly active users, up from

800 million in September 2017. The app is one of the most popular social networks worldwide.”

(Greenfield, 2018) This factor will enable our information spread to a larger audience.

3.3 Instagram has a high engagement rate.

Instagram allows its users to engage with each other through the comments section and direct

messaging. Furthermore, instagram has introduced a new feature known as ‘live video’ and

along with the story function entertains the audience and brings attention to the checklist. This
 Lutta
Media Chosen
5

will give our audience an opportunity to seek clarification about something that is on the

checklist we created.

3.4 Instagram requires little maintenance

It requires little maintenance in that there is no cost incurred in the use of instagram.

Furthermore, it is easy to post on instagram as long as there is internet coverage in addition to its

diverse gadget compatibility smartphones, tablets and even computers. To expound on this,

research suggests that there is an increase in internet access in the Okanagan. “Rural and remote

communities in the North and Central Okanagan are now enjoying the benefits of a high-speed

internet connection, thanks to funding from the provincial government’s connecting British

Columbia program” (Services, 2018). This in turn increases the number of instagram users in the

Okanagan thus increasing our reach to the target audience.

 Zhan
Information uploaded on Instagram
6

4.0 Information uploaded on Instagram

In the RDCO’s instagram page, it is suggested that a campaign about preventing false alarms

needs to be held and several images as well as concluded texts should be used. Moreover, these

campaigns should contain the following issues. In order to create a complete social media page,

each image posted should serve one of the following purpose:

4.1 Attract audience’s attention

Initially, the campaign needs to attract vacation goers’ attention so that it can continue providing

help. Therefore, the keywords are highlighted in Picture 1.0. Moreover, according to colour

psychology, the colour blue represents negative consequence (Cherry, 2018). Thus, the

background colour of the Picture 1.0 (Elvia, 2018) is blue. The Picture 1.0 shows a vacation goer

whose sleep has been disrupted by a false alarm. This draws the audience’s attention and as a

result the vacation goers are able to access the checklist.

4.2 Provide current facts regarding false alarms

After attracting their attention, the campaign should lead the audience to learn relevant

information regarding false alarms. In order to let the audience notice these situations, all the

information provided by the pictures contain attractive colors and elements to make them

appealing, as seen in Picture 2.0. Moreover, to make them more obvious, exciting colors like red

and orange are used as background colors (Avoleoo, 2014).

 Zhan
Information uploaded on Instagram
7

4.3 Tips on false alarm prevention

Eventually, the campaign should also provide a guideline to vacation goers about how to reduce

false alarms. Thus, the picture 3.0 in appendix contains most major methods. It divides the whole

picture into two parts, including “for your sitter” and “alarm company”. Each part contains brief

but key points to help vacation goers prevent false alarms. For the first part, it consists of

providing multiple contact information and alarm system guidelines to house sitters. In the

second part, this picture would guide vacation goers to inform the alarm company about the time

period of travel and who have rights to enter their home. By dividing parts, this picture not only

covers all the key points but also provides clear structure for the audience.
 Dhaliwal
Method of Reaching Audience
8

5.0 Method of reaching audience

Visual learning is the most common and effective method to transmit information to our

audience. By having visual based content that is informative, the propagation of the information

is key for compelling learning across a wide audience.

5.1 Contests

Establishing and growing a substantial follower base is the key to using social media effectively,

and in our case to promote the checklists and raise awareness on the issue. According to the 2016

CMI Survey “81% agreed that content that is user-interactive is more effective at capturing

attention than static content” (Ellens, 2018) We believe that keeping the follower base loyal and

engaged to our account activity is also crucial to our development and satisfaction of our

audience. We will post quizzes with correct and incorrect answers based on the checklist once a

month where the first 10 winners who get it correct will receive a prize. The nature of the prize

will be discussed in greater detail in the next section. Along with promoting the checklist we will

also be posting details on when quizzes will be available on the account so that the follower base

will stay attentive and engaged to all the information on the account including the procedures

regarding false alarm prevention for vacation goers.

5.2 Partnerships

Instagram is an immensely popular social media platform, being utilized more and more as a

business tool. As a result, it is flooded with posts hoping to contribute towards a cause. Since

only established accounts receive substantial exposure we believe that partnerships and
 Dhaliwal
Method of Reaching Audience
9

collaborations would quickly grow our account. We would first like to partner with all entities

that are affected by false alarms such as the fire department and first responders to have them

promote our checklist via their social media thus contributing towards the common goal. We

would also like to partner and collaborate with popular local locations such as restaurants and

offer gift cards to the restaurants as prizes to the previously mentioned quiz contests. We would

like to develop from restaurants and then collaborate in promotion with a diverse group of local

businesses and include them in our contests to provide as many people as we can with our

checklist.

5.3 Advertisements

Through the extensive developments of our partnerships and the increase of the exposure of our

checklist, we hope to eventually work closely with travel sites and their respective social media

accounts to direct potential travelers to our instagram account and checklist. CrowdRiff reports

that “75% users take action by visiting a webpage after seeing a visually attractive instagram

advertisement” (Ching, 2017). In addition to the social media of travel sites directing users to our

checklist we have a goal of visually advertising our account and checklist directly on travel

booking website. By advertising on the websites where the audience is, we are able to directly

target them.
 Parra
Checklist
10

6.0 Checklist

In today’s fast paced world, being able to process the tremendous amount of information we

receive every day is crucial for proper day to day functioning, that is why checklists are a

powerful tool when it comes to the organization.

6.1 Reason behind the utilization of a checklist

A checklist can help in the thought process regarding a task at hand. Checklists provide a way of

summarizing ideas by dividing tasks into smaller parts that can be accomplished one by one.

According to a study “when checklists have been implemented for use by surgical teams, deaths

dropped 40 percent” (Singer, 2014). This further proves the idea that having an actual guide to

follow makes sure people don't forget to accomplish the tasks at hand due to forgetfulness.

Furthermore, they aid in reducing levels of stress by providing an organized platform that helps

the person stay in track with the tasks needed to be accomplished. Finally, memory is not reliable

when it comes to keeping track of a lot of short term stuff, which can lead to forgetting to do

them. “Checklists are mnemonic devices, i.e., they reduce the chances of forgetting to check

something important. They reduce errors of omission” (Scriven, 2000). That way, by having a

physical list, each assignment can be reviewed thoroughly and in order, making them less of a

burden.

6.2 Why is it relevant to our audience?

Leaving for vacation can be something stressful “Two in three (67%) vacationers have become

stressed due to 'information overload' and are paralyzed with too many choices when researching

and planning” (Newsdesk, 2017), since it involves extensive organization, not only on house
 Parra
Checklist
11

safety but flight itineraries, hotel reservations, clothes to pack, among many other things. By

having all of these tasks at hand, trying to remember to do each one of them is impossible since

our memory can only store a certain amount of important information at a time. In addition, “If

the information is not retrieved and rehearsed, it will eventually be lost.” (Cherry, 2017), for that

reason, a checklist is the most reliable solution to that problem, since it provides homeowners

with an organized list of points that need to be taken care of, which can be easily done one by

one and reviewed later. Furthermore, it can also decrease the levels of stress and provide them

with a more pleasant and relaxed vacation knowing that everything is taken care of.

6.3 Checklist design

The main function of utilizing an appealing design is to provide users with a clean and

professional platform. Images will aid in visual association making it easier for the reader to link

the tasks presented to the real world thus catching their attention, making sure they do not forget

to do them.

In addition, an easy, clean and visually attractive checklist is the best choice for plotting different

tasks in the most simple and effective manner possible. Thus, by providing vacation goers with a

tool which goes straight to the point, and content that is easy to understand, complications are

reduced to a minimum since everything on the list is relevant and won´t bombard them with a

high amount of unnecessary information.

 12

7.0 Conclusion

Our main objective is to reduce the number of false alarms caused by vacation goers since

research has shown that Canadians spend an average 17.6 nights away on vacation. As a result,

we decided to use a checklist to help vacation goers know the procedures to follow before going

on holiday. To be able to reach our audience, we chose instagram as our media of

communication. This decision was based on the fact that instagram is the fastest growing social

media network. In addition, instagram encourages audience engagement and the pictures possess

visual attractiveness. To expand our audience and keep a loyal follower base, we came up with

interactive quizzes that will have rewards such as gift cards and coupons. The drawback to our

strategy is that our target audience is specific. For this reason, we hope to work with travel

agencies in the Okanagan to post our pictures on their instagram and webpages. This will

increase our reach hence helping to reduce the number of false alarms caused by vacation goers.
 13

References

Avoleoo. (2014, September 14). Color Meaning and Psychology of Red, Blue, Green, Yellow,

Orange, Pink and Violet colors. Graf1x.com. Retrieved August 9, 2018 from

https://graf1x.com/color-psychology-emotion-meaning-poster/

Balm, J. (2014, August 11). The power of pictures. How we can use images to promote and

communicate science - Research in progress blog. Retrieved August 6, 2018, from

https://blogs.biomedcentral.com/bmcblog/2014/08/11/the-power-of-pictures-how-we-

can-use-images-to-promote-and-communicate-science/

Cherry, K. (2017, November 29). 4 Reasons We Forget Things. Retrieved August 8, 2018, from

https://www.verywellmind.com/explanations-for-forgetting-2795045

Cherry, K. (2018, June 3). Can Color Affect Your Mood and Behavior? Retrieved August 9,

2018, from https://www.verywellmind.com/color-psychology-2795824

Ching, E. (2017, January 18). 20 Visual Marketing Statistics You Need to Know [Infographic].

Retrieved from https://crowdriff.com/blog/visual-marketing-statistics/

Common Reasons for False Alarms in Security Systems. (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2018, from

http://advancedtech.ca/common-reasons-false-alarms-security-systems

Ellens, J. (2018, May 15). 49 Quiz Marketing Statistics and Case Studies You Need to Know in

2018. Retrieved August 9, 2018, from https://blog.leadquizzes.com/49-quiz-marketing-

statistics-and-case-studies-you-need-to-know-in-2018

Elvia. (2018, April 23). Top 5 Home Alarm System False Alarm Solutions – Reolink Blog.

Retrieved August 9, 2018, from https://reolink.com/home-alarm-system-false-alarm-

solutions/
 14

Greenfield, M. (n.d.). Instagram: Active users 2018. Retrieved August 8, 2018, from

https://www.statista.com/statistics/253577/number-of-monthly-active-instagram-users/

Marko, M. (2016, March 20). The Advantages and Disadvantages of Instagram. Retrieved from

https://www.mikemarko.com/advantages-disadvantages-of-instagram/

Newsdesk. (2017, May 22). Stats: Stress Causing 37 Percent of Travelers to Cancel or Delay

Vacation. Retrieved August 9, 2018, from https://www.travelagentcentral.com/running-

your-business/stats-stress-causing-37-percent-travelers-to-cancel-or-delay-vacation

Scriven, M. (2000). The logic and methodology of checklists. Retrieved August 9, 2018, from

http://www. wmich. edu/evalctr/checklists/papers/logic&methodology_dec07.pdf

Services, C. (2018, February 02). Expanded coverage brings high-speed internet access to

Okanagan communities. Retrieved August 6, 2018, from

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2018CITZ0003-000142

Singer, A. (2014, June 23). Seven management benefits of using a checklist. Retrieved August 9,

2018, from

http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/20140623/PRINTEDITION/306199955/seven-

management-benefits-of-using-a-checklist

Statistics Canada. (2010). International Travel, Statistics Canada Tourism and the Centre for

Education Statistics Division International Travel Section, Miles (ed.). Statistics Canada

Catalogue no. 66-201-X. Ottawa, Ontario. 73 p. Rerieved August 8, 2018, from

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/pub/66-201-x/66-201-x2010000-eng.pdf?st=ht-

s5KZj

Top Security Companies Explain False Alarm Prevention. (2018, January 31). Retrieved August

9, 2018, from https://www.reviews.org/smart-home/false-alarm-causes/

 15

Appendices

Appendix A

Picture 1.0
 16

Picture 2.0
 17

Picture 3.0
 18

Appendix B

Checklist 1.0

GOING ON VACATION?
ENSURE YOUR HOME IS PROTECTED!
1 Securing locks

Lock all windows and doors and check before leaving

Ensure you have the keys with you when you depart
and that no spare keys are in the hands of untrusted
individuals

Note: Be sure to remove any spare keys you have hidden

around your home for security against thieves
.
2 Making sure the correct people have the correct information

Have a trusted neighbour in close proximity have your contact information available to
them so they can inform you when your alarm has been triggered

Ensure you know the correct disarmament code for

your alarm and contact your provider to make sure
they have the same one

Have your disarmament code and your security

providers contact number rapidly accessible in your phone
to avoid confusion and panic in case of an alarm.

3 Making sure your home is protected against external

rodents that could cause alarms

Ensure that the food that has a shelf life

shorter than when you are gone to prevent
attracting odors to come from your home

Empty your garbage cans completely to prevent rodents near your home.
 19

Walk around your home to make sure no food or garbage is on your property

Note: Do not completely remove all lawn items and

ornaments to keep people from knowing your home is empty

4 Ensuring that your sensors are protected from accidental triggers

Inspect your homes tight areas and corners to make sure no cobwebs or other
debris are present that can trigger a false alarm.

Remove any lightweight decorations and hanging lamps from your home or store them
in a concealed box

Do not have air conditioners, fans or central air vents

directing air towards curtains, drapes or any other lose objects
that are in the field of view of the motion sensor

Check all your motion sensors to make sure that they

are free of bugs and spider webs.

Check the status your sensors and make sure they are
not low on battery

Make sure all non-essential electronics are not

plugged into your home to reduce the chance of an
electrical problem causing a false alarm.

If you are leaving for an extended period of time turn

off your main water source

5 Scheduling outside lights

Ensure you have programmed a scheduled time for your home’s exterior lights to be
turned on and off

Note: By having routine timed sprinklers and exterior lights it

will make it seem like your home is occupied

6 Securing mail

Place a hold on your mail, newspaper and other deliveries to

avoid a pile up occurring outside your door alluring potential thieves
 20

Checklist 2.0

These are some crucial information on what your house sitters can do
to prevent triggering false alarm as well keeping your
house safe and sound!

1 Keeping the Door Locked.

Provide house sitters with spare keys.

Keep your own keys with you all the time. Alarm disabled,
now I can enter
the house.
Remind them to lock all the entrance to the
house whenever they leave it.
Note: Make sure your house sitters disable the alarm whenever they plan
to stop by at your house!

2 Ensuring the Alarm System Code & Password Available.

Provide all the alarm code for each
system you have for your house sitters.

Provide the alarm passwords in case of

the alarm is set off by mistake.

Inform the alarm company that you are What was the
having a house sitters in your place. code again?
Note: Ask a friend or your neighbor to make your decision on your behalf
and provide their contact information to your house sitters if there
is any alarm triggered!

3 Retrieving the Piled Mail on the Lawn.

Provide a collection space for any incoming mail
and newspaper.

Instruct your house sitters to collect all the mail

on regular time basis.
Note: Keep your lawn clean and under maintenance to prevent people
knowing your house is empty!
 21

4 Switching On the Outside Lights at Night.

Teach your house sitters the location of your
outside lights as well as the switch for it.

Schedule a time when and which outside light(s)

need to be turned on and off.
Note: Inform your house sitters to turn on the motion-activated security
lights when it is necessary!

5 Taking care of the Pets.

Provide the basic needs for your pet placed in The motion detector
one location. alarm is everywhere!

Inform the house sitters how frequent they need

to feed the pets.

Instruct them to walk or play with the pet on

regular time basis.

Instruct them to clean the litter box or the pet’s

excretion at least once a week.

Leave the house sitters with the contact of your

pet’s veterinarian.

Inform your pet’s medication and how to administer

it your house sitters.
Note: Make sure you install your motion detector alarm higher than the
place your pet can reach so that it would not be triggered easily!
We’re selling alarm
6 Getting a Visitor. more than you need!
Inform your house sitters if there is any people
visiting your house when you are away.

Decide to let your house sitters to bring any visitor

to your house and prepare some list of room that is
forbidden to enter.
Note: It is better to not let your house sitters bring any visitor as they are
prone to trigger any alarm!