As your Newfoundland or Labrador business grows, you work hard to protect it in any way you can, including investing in a security system. From keyless locks to video surveillance, there are many ways business owners can protect their assets and their employees. But what good is a security system that doesn't work?
In order to fully protect your business, you need to care for your system and maintain its components. Protect your commercial security system and retain peace of mind by performing routine maintenance as listed below.
1. Monitor Batteries and Power Supplies
The most important thing you can do for your security system is ensure it receives power. Surveillance cameras with dead batteries won't help you keep an eye on things around your store, and locks connected to a corroded power supply won't keep intruders at bay.
Storms, tampering, and even bumps or slams can affect your security system's power supply. Check your batteries and other power supplies at least once a month to ensure the system is receiving adequate power.
2. Clean Camera Lenses
Just as a dead camera won't help you keep tabs on your business, neither will dirty camera lenses. Some intruders even look for businesses that have dirty camera lenses, because the dirt and grime makes it harder to identify people caught on tape. Even high resolution cameras won't be able to pick up a good image if dirt covers their lenses.
Clean your camera lenses at least twice a year. Use a can of compressed air to remove loose debris from the lenses. Then, use a microfiber cloth to wipe water spots and smudges from the lenses.
3. Dust System Components
As well as wreaking havoc on surveillance cameras, dust can seriously affect motion sensors and keypads. Prevent dust from accumulating on important system parts by dusting on a regular basis.
How often you need to dust varies based on your building's location, inhabitants, and materials. Use a microfiber cloth to sweep dust away from keypads and other parts. Never use water or other fluids on your security system.
4. Prune Landscaping and Remove Obstructions
Keep an eye on your cameras' views. You don't want to review a surveillance tape only to discover that a shrub obstructed your most important camera's view.
Remove any obstructions, such as signs, plants, shrubs and awnings that interfere with your camera's line of sight.
5. Check Weatherproofing Materials
Next to malicious intruders, water is your security system's worst enemy. That's why surveillance cameras and other security components are housed in weatherproof enclosures.
Check any parts with weatherproof housing for dirt, debris, and water. If you find condensation, grime, or dead bugs in the encasings, you should invest in new weatherproof materials.
6. Search for Corrosion
While you are inspecting your system's weatherproof materials, look for corrosion. Components in damp or wet conditions can easily rust, which will eventually ruin your system.
If you notice rust developing on any system components, contact your security system provider. They will be able to tell you how long your system will withstand the rust, as well as how to prevent further rust from developing.
7. Inspect Cable Connections
Worn out cables and loose connections can jeopardize your entire system's effectiveness. Look for cables that show signs of wear and tear, then call your security system provider to replace them.
8. Test the System and Alarms
One of the last things you want as a business owner is to realize after an intrusion that something is wrong with your security system. Don't wait for an intruder to test your system. Take the following steps to ensure that your security system works properly:
Test manual devices, such as panic buttons and locking devices.
Make sure audible warning devices work, including speakers and sirens.
Test remote signaling equipment. If you can control your cameras or locks via remote control, ensure these connections work.
If your system is set to automatically notify authorities of an intrusion, perform regular tests with the police department. This ensures your system is communicating properly.
You should test your system on a weekly basis and after an alarm goes off.
9. Don't Wait to Call a Security Company for Repairs and Upgrades
It can seem easy to put off repairs and upgrades, but your security system is one thing you shouldn't wait to repair. A security system won't protect your business unless it works. Use these tips to maintain your security system and safeguard your business.
Your business's well-being hinges on its security, contact Newfoundland’s trusted security provider, BABB SECURITY SYSTEMS to learn more about business security systems.