Ahh, spring cleaning. The centuries-old tradition of cleaning the dirt and grime that accumulates in your home over the long, cold winter. As you dust baseboards and wash windows, don’t forget to give your security and fire systems a good once over. While you should check your smoke detectors monthly and your total system on an annual basis, semi-annual housekeeping for your entire fire and security systems is recommended. Here are a few safety tips:
Exterior
Walk around the perimeter of your home. Make sure all doors and windows are in good working order and all security contacts are working properly. Check exterior lighting and replace any light bulbs or lamps, if needed. Check security cameras to make sure they are recording as they should. Also make sure they are aimed in the right direction. Strong winds, vandals or even a curious deer, can knock a camera out of focus. Spiders are also known to happily build a web on the lens of a security camera, obscuring the view.
Interior
Test the main control panel. If you need assistance, call our office for instructions. Also make sure the backup battery, which kicks in when there is a power outage, is fully charged. Check each smoke, carbon monoxide and heat detector and replace batteries on wireless devices. Clean any cobwebs, grease or dust from the devices. Also remember to routinely check fire extinguishers.
The National Fire Protection Association suggests you make it a routine practice to check all of your smoke detectors once a month. Make sure all family members know what the sound of the
smoke detector means and how to respond.
Maintenance Agreements
Consider having your security company conduct an annual inspection. Not only can they fix any problems that arise, but they can install any updates needed to your system’s software. Your security and fire systems protect your home and your family. Be proactive. Conduct routine maintenance to keep your home protection systems in good working order. Don’t let a dead battery or a bad door sensor put you and your family at risk. Delco Alarm Systems offers preventative maintenance programs for fire and security systems. For more information, contact our professionals at 610-494-9100.