Routine maintenance will keep your fire and security systems working in top condition and can prevent false alarms.
False Alarms!
We are all familiar with the occasional beeping of a smoke detector with a low battery. There’s usually a simple fix – install a fresh battery. Do this at least twice and year and your smoke devices should be good to go.
But did you know that smoke detectors, motion detectors and even hard-wired security systems can be compromised by dust, spiders and other vermin causing false alarms?
EWWWWW
No one likes sharing their home with bugs and vermin, but aside from the aesthetics and overall creepiness, they can wreak havoc with your smoke alarms and security systems.
With the weather getting cooler, spiders are quickly weaving their webs and finding neat hiding places to call home. Oftentimes, a smoke detector fits the bill. A beeping device may indicate a low battery, but spiders and other insects, even the infamous Stink Bug, can cause problems when they attempt to squeeze into a warm spot to spend the winter.
WHAT TO DO?
Your first step is to check the unit to make sure any batteries are in good working condition. If not replace them. If the problem is not the battery, clean out any dust or spiderwebs you may see using a vacuum. Even a can of air can do the trick. This should be done several times a year.
Spider webs can also cause the unit to sound as if there is smoke in the building. If this occurs, it is imperative to first follow proper evacuation procedures.
If no smoke or fire is found, check the inside of the unit and either change the battery or clean out the debris. NEVER take out the battery and leave the unit disabled. That is a mistake that could have deadly consequences.
If at any time routine maintenance doesn’t fix the problem, contact Delco Alarm Systems. Our team of experienced professionals can pinpoint the problem and remedy the situation.
BIGGER PROBLEMS
Mice, squirrels and rats are also looking for places to hide out during cooler weather and can cause significant damage to your home.
These vermin can chew right through wires or even drywall to get to a warm hiding spot.
Unfortunately, many homeowners have learned first-hand the damage mice, rats and even squirrels can cause.
A “trouble” indicator on your alarm panel indicating a door or window contact is open, even though both are closed tightly, may be the result of a mouse, rat or squirrel having chewed through a wire. These critters will gnaw on almost anything – insulation, car seats, wires – leaving feces and urine behind. They not only damage property, but are a significant health hazard.
If a service technician finds a chewed wire or contact disabled by vermin, a Delco Alarm technician can typically repair the problem. But the rodent issue must also be addressed to alleviate future issues. Property owners have many options to get rid of these unwanted visitors, such as setting out traps and closing up gaps and holes. In some cases a professional exterminator, such as our friends and neighbors at Tri County Pest Control, is warranted to help alleviate the problem as well provide peace of mind.
Remember, routinely cleaning smoke detectors, checking your home for indications of rodent infestation and keeping up with general maintenance will keep your fire and security systems running smoothly. If you have questions or need more information, contact the professionals at Delco Alarm Systems, 610-494-9100.