At times, I can’t help imagining the worst possible scenario. I have the best security system that money can buy and I try and think like a criminal or a burglar for ways that I can crack it. This helps me find any loopholes in the system. I have frequently walked around my place to look for ways by which I can dodge the motion detectors and the CCTV cameras but have found none. I have also looked for ways to disarm the complete alarm system without getting into the home and found no ways to do it. Even if I cut off the power supply, it still works on a backup power system.
It was during one such trip that I found that if someone were to follow me inside and threaten me with a weapon, then I would have to disarm the alarm system myself and no one would even come to know about it. The last thing that you want to try in such a situation is heroics. Now, that was one scenario that I hadn’t thought about. So, I called the security company immediately and explained the situation to them. The guy on the other end then coolly explained that I had no need to panic as I could still use the duress code.
What is the duress code?
The word duress is defined as ‘Forcible confinement’. It means that you are being held against your will and in case of an alarm system; it indicates to the security company that your house is being intruded. The duress code is a secret code that will disarm your security system but send a silent system to the security company. Whenever the security company receives a duress code activated alarm, it will instantly notify the law enforcement agencies and they will tackle the situation accordingly. The duress code will thus allow you to fool the intruder that you have disarmed the system but help will be on its way.
Know your security system
Information about the duress code prompted me to call up my security company for a user manual of my security system. A lot of people take their security systems for granted and hence are not completely aware of all the features that come with it. Does your security system have a feature like the duress code? Call your security company now to know more about it.
