Get Safe, Stay Safe: How to Correctly Maintain Your Security System
Just like every other aspect of running a home, it'd be much less stressful if security systems could be installed and then left alone – but that's not the case. In order to ensure that your system is still working and in good health, you'll need to perform a small amount of maintenance. Thankfully, it isn't very time-consuming. However, failing to establish this routine could seriously compromise the integrity of your system, so be sure to set a few minutes aside for it. Here are just a few of the steps you should include.
Clean Cameras
Ensuring that your camera lenses are free of dirt, dust, debris and scratches is vital. That way, you'll know the picture quality is going to be clear enough to be useful in the unfortunate event you do need to refer to it – and not blocked by a poorly-positioned smudge. At the same time, especially if your camera is the type that can move or track motion, you should be sure to clean away any rust or debris that may prevent it from moving freely. Be sure to include this step even if your camera is a fake; it won't deter anybody if it's visibly neglected and out of use.
Test Alarms
You should occasionally be deliberately setting off any alarm systems you have, just to make sure they work as intended. This goes for both general house alarm systems, and sensors applied to doors and windows. This means that if they break, you'll know about it and have a chance to replace them. Just make sure you know exactly how to neutralise the alarm before you set it off! Equally, if it's the kind of system which is designed to send an alert to your phone or to an application, check that it does so and readjust your settings if necessary.
Inspect Grates & Screens
If you have security bars, grates or screens installed over your doors and windows, you should physically inspect them on a regular basis to ensure that they haven't degraded or broken. These products are designed to be durable, so you shouldn't have any problems, but you shouldn't take that as a guarantee. It only takes one rust problem to weaken the whole system, and taking a walk around your property with your eyes peeled for such damage can prevent that from happening.
If you'd rather entrust care of your system to a professional, you can always hire a security company to perform your routine maintenance for you at a cost. This may be worthwhile if you have a very complex electric system, or if your property is especially large and well-covered. However, in most cases, it's entirely possible to take care of it by yourself. If you're able to put in the time, that is. Good luck!