Are You Covered? 5 Ways to Tell that You Need to Update Your Company Security Equipment

5 Ways to Tell that You Need to Update Your Company Security Equipment

Imagine the scenario: everyone’s working away, being productive and doing their jobs when all of a sudden, your security alarm goes off. You evacuate the entire building and the police arrive, only to realize it was all a false alarm.

This problem can be common, especially if your security equipment is broken or outdated.

But how do you know if it’s time for an upgrade? Check out these five helpful tips that should indicate you need new security equipment, and pronto.

1. Your Fire Alarm Hasn’t Been Inspected

If you work in an older building, the fire alarm should be regularly inspected for safety and function.

Old fire alarms can collect dust and debris, causing them to misfire or malfunction altogether. Make sure your fire alarms are cleaned and checked by a professional at least once a year.

If they have not been looked at in a long time, there’s a good chance they may be suffering from moisture exposure, rotted wiring, and more.

2. Equipment Uses a Landline or Hard Wiring

A security system connected to a landline phone is definitely a thing of the past. If your system still relies on a connection to a telephone line, it’s probably time for an update.

The same goes for equipment that’s hardwired into the wall. Today’s modern systems operate almost entirely on a wireless system. Take a closer look at your equipment contract and find out if you’re due for an inexpensive or even potentially free upgrade.

3. The Batteries in Your Security Equipment are Shot

Just like a smoke detector or computer keyboard, batteries should be changed in your security equipment on a regular basis. Most modern systems will alert you when batteries are at a low level, but not all do.

Check equipment like glass breaks and alarm control panels and make sure the batteries are operating at their full capacity. This applies to motion detectors and some cameras, too.

Keep a log of when you change the batteries so you can always keep on top of when it’s time to replace them. On average, your batteries should last between three and five years.

4. Your System Hasn’t Been Tested in Months

As a general rule, all security equipment should undergo regular testing. If it’s not fully operational, it really can’t serve its purpose properly. In addition, nonworking security systems pose a serious risk to everyone’s safety and well-being.

You can perform regularly scheduled tests yourself, or you can consider hiring commercial security or monitoring companies to come and perform tests for you. Either way, be sure to let your employees know about the test if you do it during business hours.

5. Miscommunication Between Equipment

If you’ve piecemealed security equipment together over the years, there’s a good chance that each component is not communicating well with the others.

Check each element of the system including smoke alarms, cameras, panels, monitors, and glass breaks to make sure that everything is communicating properly. Older parts of the system can be upgraded to ensure that each part works in harmony with the other.

Maintenance Ensures Better Security

Regular testing of all equipment and proper inspections can ensure your security equipment is working as it should.

Check and change batteries regularly and perform a few simple tests to check if your system needs an upgrade.

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