Security Maintenance Checklist: Essential Tasks For Safety
Home security is your protection against the outside world. With effective security systems in place, you can keep your home, family and most valued possessions safe at all times. However, simply having security systems installed is not enough, as they also need to be regularly maintained.
As we approach the end of one season, now is the perfect time to conduct a thorough check of your home security and perform all necessary maintenance. Security systems may need to be updated, replaced, or repaired to maintain their effectiveness, and now is the ideal time to get them sorted.
Full Circuit Fire & Security is a leading security installer, offering a range of home security systems for tenants, homeowners and occupants across the region. Using our experience in this field and professional skills within security maintenance, we are sharing a complete security maintenance checklist to help you out. Following this maintenance checklist will ensure your home is fortified with effective security tools and protected against a range of threats and issues, giving you greater peace of mind.
The Importance Of Regular Security Maintenance
Security maintenance is the key to creating a safe living environment for your family or tenants. Simply having security systems, like CCTV or intruder alarms, is not enough, as these also need to be maintained regularly to ensure they are in optimal working condition.
Security maintenance is a way of determining the current state of your systems and whether they provide sufficient protection to your property. Maintenance needs to be done regularly to make sure that all systems continue to support your needs and lifestyle, as well as align with the current regulations regarding home security.
While homes and private properties do not have the same strict regulations as commercial or public spaces, this does not mean that standards should not be considered. Security is constantly being updated to provide better protection, and these updates can influence how safe your home is at any given time. These updates can also influence things such as home or landlord insurance, as many policyholders require security systems in their premiums.
With regular maintenance, you can keep track of these updates and make sure that your home is sufficiently protected for your own safety, as well as to meet these insurance requirements.
Maintenance also reduces the risk of false alarms, property damage and criminal activity as it ensures that all systems are operational. Without false alarms, you are more likely to act in an emergency and can deliver a quick response when you need it most. Your home will be protected against criminal activity, break-ins and vandalism, reducing the need for expensive repairs.
By regularly checking your security systems and performing the necessary maintenance ahead of time, homeowners and landlords also have peace of mind. They know that their properties are protected as the security systems are reliable, allowing you to move through your routine with ease.
To ensure that your home is safe, security maintenance needs to be performed regularly, and now is a great time to kickstart the process.
Security Maintenance Checklist: Essential Tasks To Start Now
Various kinds of home security may be present at your property, and each requires its own security maintenance checklist to ensure functionality and effectiveness:
Burglar/Intruder Alarms Maintenance
Burglar alarms can be a great tool for home security as they act as both a deterrent and a quick response to criminal activity. This is often a standard security system for a range of properties and is a great way to keep your home safe overnight or when vacant.
To check that these alarms remain fully operational, the following security maintenance is required:
- Weekly Testing of Alarms and Keypads: Every week, ensure that the alarm is audible and can be heard across the home, as well as out in the street (if this is part of the system you have chosen). Make sure to inform any third-party monitoring programs that you are just performing a test. During this weekly test, you also need to make sure that all keypads are functional in both turning on and off the alarm, as well as emergency responses.
- Replace Batteries: How often batteries need to be replaced can vary based on manufacturer instructions, so make sure you understand the requirements of your unique system. Batteries should be replaced frequently to avoid the system running out of power completely, which can leave you vulnerable.
- Inspect Sensors: Ensure that all sensors are fully operational and will trigger the alarm with motion or when entry points are breached. This part of the security maintenance process can vary based on the kind of burglar alarm used and the size of your property. Door and window sensors should be frequently inspected to check they are not damaged, loose or ineffective.
- Keep Codes Up To Date: Like all security passwords, updating your burglar alarm code is a great way to enhance safety and keep your home protected. This can be done every few months or annually, as it is a great time within security maintenance to review user access. You should ensure that only the required people know the new passcode, and this is not shared widely.
CCTV Security Maintenance
Many properties rely on CCTV systems for protection these days, and it is one of the most effective tools for safety. CCTV can be both a deterrent and a reliable security system across a wide range of premises. However, like all other forms of security, CCTV will only be effective through regular security maintenance, such as:
- Clean Lenses: This is especially important for outdoor security cameras, which can become fogged or dirty easily. Cleaning the lenses ensures that your security cameras capture clear footage, giving you greater visibility whether at home or away.
- Adjust Camera Positions: Keep track of your camera’s location and position, as you could be leaving yourself exposed. Monitor the position and placement of all CCTV cameras, both indoors and out, to avoid blind spots and ensure that the most vulnerable places in the home are covered. It is recommended for CCTV cameras to be installed near entry points, such as the front and back doors, as well as in main rooms such as the living space or where valuables are kept.
- Check Storage and Backup: The last thing you want is for your CCTV system to run out of storage, as this means no footage will be recorded. Weekly or monthly, based on the kind of storage used for CCTV cameras, go through your storage and remove any unnecessary recordings. Make sure that there is always plenty of space to support ongoing recording, as this keeps you protected for longer. Now is also a great time to enhance your security maintenance by choosing a reliable backup process, such as via cloud storage or through external tools.
- Update Software: By regularly updating CCTV software, you can rest assured that you are getting the best protection. Most programs come with their own malware and online security, which is another layer of protection for the home and a great way to keep you safe at all times. These updates will often be required monthly, but larger programme resets may be required seasonally or annually based on the system used.
Outdoor Security Lighting Maintenance
Security lighting is a simple yet effective home safety tool that can keep your property illuminated to deter criminal activity. As most homes have security lights of some kind, it is easy to forget these systems, but they also require maintenance, such as:
- Check Motion Sensors: Similar to burglar alarms, the motion sensors of outdoor lighting need to be inspected and repaired regularly. The motion sensor is the key to keeping your home illuminated when needed and will only be effective if fully operational and free of obstructions. Replace lights or motion sensors when needed, and make sure you always have a backup at home so you are not left without.
- Replace Bulbs: As the weather begins to get darker, make sure your security lighting is effective with brighter bulbs. Rely on long-lasting LED lights to keep your home safe throughout the month, and always have back-ups ready to replace them when needed.
- Maintain Outdoor Spaces: To keep your security lighting effective and operational, you need to maintain your outdoor space. Lights and motion sensors should be free from obstructions, such as overgrown bushes, trees or weeds. Keep your garden clear and accessible, as this not only creates a safe environment for the family but also reduces the risk of criminals hiding or moving around your home unnoticed.
Conclusion
Security maintenance is the key to keeping your home or property safe for longer. While security systems, like CCTV cameras and intruder alarms, can be highly effective, they will only remain this way with regular maintenance. By performing simple security maintenance such as replacing broken features, updating software, and performing frequent tests, you can rest assured that your home will remain safe throughout the seasons.
Full Circuit Fire & Security is a leading security provider in the North West, offering a range of safety tools for homes and businesses. We can work with you to supply and install the best security tools for your needs, as well as offer comprehensive maintenance and updates for lasting safety.
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To learn more about our services or request a consultation with our engineers, please contact us today.
FAQs
How often should I test my home alarm?
It is recommended to test burglar alarms every week to ensure they are fully operational and effective.
Do CCTV systems need professional maintenance, or can I do it myself?
Basic CCTV maintenance, such as cleaning lenses and updating software, can be done independently, but larger repairs and upgrades will be better performed by a professional. It is recommended to book professional servicing and maintenance for CCTV every 12 to 24 months, with standard maintenance done independently in between.
Will regular security maintenance impact home insurance premiums?
While traditional security maintenance does not lower your premiums directly, it can prevent any claims from being rejected. Regular maintenance ensures that all security systems are fully operational, therefore reducing the risk of false alarms and allowing you to provide important evidence should a claim be made.
