Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) Issues Warning About Apple Device False Alarms

  • Apr 10, 2023

The Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) is a national leader in helping reduce unnecessary calls for service from alarm systems. Recently, SIAC issued a warning concerning false alarms created by the Apple iPhone 14 and Apple Watch.

“Technology that is meant to detect car crashes, heart attacks or other life-threatening situations, has generated some real media success stories on how a life was saved, however, there have been numerous reports on these devices contacting 911 call centers where no emergency condition existed,” said Stan Martin, SIAC executive director. “In many instances, the false alarms have been triggered by routine events such as skiing or exercising.

“For more than 20 years SIAC has worked directly with leaders in law enforcement to dramatically reduce unnecessary calls for service from electronic alarms,” said Martin. “Significant progress through the model alarm ordinance has led to dramatic improvements.

“Though we can all see the potential benefits, we are concerned that the new Apple technology could be a real setback to the goal of making sure that 911 resources and first responders are not unnecessarily diverted from their lifesaving mission.”

SIAC recommends the owners of the iPhone 14 or Apple Watch take the following steps to avoid generating unnecessary calls to 911 centers:

  • Learn how the alert system functions.
  • Respond immediately to notifications from your device that the alarm has been triggered to avoid having the phone or watch contact a 911 center.
  • Upgrade the device to the latest software version.
B
  • e aware of what types of events can trigger the device when there is no emergency.

    • If you’re in a situation that is likely to trigger a false alarm and are not able to respond to a notification, we suggest you consider disabling this feature or function.

    If your device contacts 911 automatically, law enforcement may try to contact you to confirm an actual emergency exists, if possible, please answer the call, do not ignore/disregard. As with typical 911 emergency calls, it leaves law enforcement with no choice but to dispatch an officer or deputy.

    “This is an issue that both Apple and its customers need to address,” said Martin. “Failure to address false alarm issues can eventually lead to a lower level of response, fines or other measures to try to address the issue.” No doubt other manufacturers will replicate or develop similar emergency contact features, please consider the consequence/impact on law enforcement before activating these types of features.

    Featured

    • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

      Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

      • Guard Services

    • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

      Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

    • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

      Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

    • Report: AI is Supercharging Old-School Cybercriminal Tactics

      AI isn’t just transforming how we work. It’s reshaping how cybercriminals attack, with threat actors exploiting AI to mass produce malicious code loaders, steal browser credentials and accelerate cloud attacks, according to a new report from Elastic. Read Now

    • Pragmatism, Productivity, and the Push for Accountability in 2025-2026

      Every year, the security industry debates whether artificial intelligence is a disruption, an enabler, or a distraction. By 2025, that conversation matured, where AI became a working dimension in physical identity and access management (PIAM) programs. Observations from 2025 highlight this turning point in AI’s role in access control and define how security leaders are being distinguished based on how they apply it. Read Now

    Most   Popular

    New Products

    • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

      QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

      The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

    • FEP GameChanger

      FEP GameChanger

      Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

    • HD2055 Modular Barricade

      Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.