A common question we receive is “How often should my burglar alarm system be tested?”. We recommend a yearly test and inspection. The yearly test and inspection checks each device (door contacts, window contacts, smoke detectors, CO detectors, flood/temp sensors etc.) for functionality and ensures the correct signals are sent to the alarm monitoring center.
We recently did a test and inspection and what we found was quite concerning! The recessed window contact shown in the picture above was corroded and not functioning. This showed a error (fault) that would not clear on the keypad. While this is obvious and the homeowner spotted it, we found two more recessed contacts that had a different story. These two contacts were not functioning at all when the windows were opened and the system was armed!
This is just one example of how important maintenance is for your alarm system. In this situation, someone could have broken in through the window undetected. If the non-functioning devices were smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, this could have been a life or death situation. According to the CDC, every year, at least 430 people die in the U.S. from accidental CO poisoning and approximately 50,000 people in the U.S. visit the emergency department due to accidental CO poisoning.
Life safety is our number one priority. It should be yours too! Take the time to schedule an annual test and inspection with us. It’s a small price to pay to potentially save a loved ones life. 802 448 0070
