Alert 360: Mastering Home Security Maintenance
According to a study by the FBI, a burglary occurs every 25.7 seconds in the United States. This alarming statistic emphasizes the need for regular home security maintenance. Home security maintenance is crucial for keeping your home and loved ones safe. In today's world, where burglaries and break-ins are all too common, it's essential to take proactive measures to protect your property. This comprehensive guide will provide you all the tools for your weekly, monthly and annual home security maintenance checks that will help you keep your Alert 360 security system in tip-top shape.
Weekly Maintenance Checks
While weekly maintenance for your home security system is relatively minimal, it is still essential to ensure that everything is functioning as it should. Here are some key tasks to include in your weekly maintenance routine:- Check Batteries
- One of the essential aspects of weekly maintenance is checking the batteries of your security equipment. While most brands claim that smart locks and wireless cameras have a long battery life, it is best to check the battery levels regularly to avoid any unexpected issues. The Alert 360 app (available in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store) will provide you the battery levels of most battery-operated items, including smart locks and wireless thermostats.
- Clean Devices
- To ensure optimal performance, it is important to clean certain home security devices regularly. Start by dusting the control panel weekly to prevent any dust or cobwebs from interfering with its functionality. Additionally, use a microfiber cloth spritzed with glass cleaner to wipe down the lenses of your security cameras. This will ensure clear and smudge-free footage. If your security system has local storage, make sure to clear out any unnecessary videos to free up space for new recordings.
Monthly Maintenance Checks
In addition to the weekly maintenance routine, it is important to perform monthly checks to address any potential issues and keep your security system running smoothly. Here are some tasks to include in your monthly maintenance routine:- Update the App
- Regularly updating your Alert 360 security app(available in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store) is crucial to prevent glitches and vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. Updating the app will ensure that you have the latest security features and enhancements.
- Run a Self-Diagnostic on the Control Panel
- Running a self-diagnostic on the control panel is an important monthly task to identify and resolve any potential issues. Visit our support page for your control panel’s user manual or contact Alert 360’s technical support team online or by phone (press option 2 then 2). For guidance on how to perform the self-diagnostic. They will provide instructions specific to your system to avoid triggering any false alarms or unnecessary emergency service visits.
- Check the Status of Medical Alert Devices
- If you have medical alert devices as part of your home security system, it is important to regularly check their status. To test these devices, please contact Alert 360’s technical support team online or by phone (press option 2 then 2). Ensuring your medical alert devices are functioning properly is crucial for your safety and peace of mind.
- Check Your Fire Detectors
- Smoke/Fire detectors are a critical component of any home security system. Test all your fire alarms to ensure they are in working order. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for testing and maintenance.
Annual Maintenance Checks
Performing annual maintenance checks allows you to address any long-term issues and ensure the continued effectiveness of your home security system. Here are some tasks to include in your annual maintenance routine:- Vulnerability Audit
- Take a walk around your property and assess any potential vulnerabilities in your home security system. Are there any areas that could benefit from additional security measures such as security cameras, motion sensors, flood sensors or extra lighting? Trim bushes or trees that may provide cover for potential intruders and tighten any loose screws in security chains, door hinges and knobs. Conducting a vulnerability audit will help you identify areas for improvement and enhance the overall security of your property.
- Warranty/Contract Check-Up
- Review the contract for your home security system on an annual basis. Check if you are eligible for new or upgraded equipment and ensure that all your existing devices are functioning properly.