When did you last check your home alarm system?
'Ensuring security systems work properly should be an important part of home maintenance throughout the year' – security company warns.
People tend to forget that an alarm system, like a car, has parts that age and wear out and therefore should be serviced at least once a year says Stuart Clarkson, Fidelity ADT Managing Executive.
“We are all guilty of waiting until we are due to go away on holiday to have our alarms tested. This often creates problems for a service provider, including ourselves, who need to respond to a flood of last-minute calls for help,” he said.
“Ensuring security systems work properly should be an important part of home maintenance throughout the year. If the system – and this includes panic buttons and infrared detectors – is not functioning properly it may mean the alarm activation signal may not reach the security company who will not know that there is an emergency and that assistance is needed. Testing can be done together with your security service provider. If anything out of the ordinary is noted, a technician can be dispatched to address the problem.”
Clarkson says it is advisable for testing to be done outside of peak hours (6am – 8am and 5pm – 8pm) at least twice a year. The best times to test your system is after 8am or before 4pm and after 8pm.
“All it takes is a call to the Monitoring Centre who will then put the client on test. Once you are on test mode and a signal from your premises is received, our system will automatically generate and send a sms to you to let you know what sort of signal was received, i.e. if you push your panic button a sms will be sent to you saying that a Panic signal was received. You can place your premises onto test for 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes up to an hour. Once the specified time is up any signal that is received after that will be an emergency signal.
Clarkson says it is important to remember that the security needs at one’s residence can also change over the years.
“Now is a good time for homeowners to re-assess their overall security needs and possibly considering upgrading the system, to make sure it still delivers the best protection. This can be done during a walk around the property. Questions to consider include ‘Is there a need for additional or motion-sensing lights? How easily can intruders access my property and should I think about installing outdoor beams?’
Again, a security service provider can offer advice if there is any uncertainty on how to identify security needs.”
Lastly, it is important that home owners ensure that their security service providers have their most updated contacted details.
“Your security company must know exactly how to get hold of you, or the details of anyone you have asked to look after your property while you are away. You don’t want any confusion about who should be contacted on your behalf in case of an emergency or alarm activation,” concludes Clarkson.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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