“WHAT MATTERS TO YOU,
MATTERS TO US TOO.”
To ensure your system is performing to its full potential it’s important that it is regularly maintained and that staff are well trained in how to operate it.
We recently examined almost 1,000 alarm call outs from 2021 to understand the most common causes behind a business’s security and fire alarm sensors being set off. We found that a staggering 81% of these calls were not for genuine emergencies, and were instead largely due to maintenance issues.
The top reasons we found were:
- Poorly maintained systems – 32.5%
- Cobwebs on the sensor – 18%
- Insect or rodents in detector – 13%
- Staff error – 11%
Overall, only around 19% of the call outs were for genuine emergencies. This includes everything from water leaks, vandalism and confirmed fires, to attempted and actual burglary, insecure premises and trespassers.
The Importance of a Good System
A high-quality and well maintained security system is a crucial part of any business’s security strategy, and helps to keep your premises, goods, staff and customers safe. With a system keeping a watchful eye when no one else is around, businesses can avoid costly issues such as break-ins, stolen property, and damage from fires and water.
Whilst a good system can save your business a lot of money when it comes to potential emergencies, false alarms can create a lot of added expense and hassle. As a business owner, the last thing you want to deal with in the middle of the night is an alarm that’s been triggered due to cobwebs or a minor system fault. And if this is a frequent occurrence due to poor maintenance, these callouts can quickly add up in both time spent and money.
Tips to Help Prevent False Alarms
• System Maintenance
Many business owners will make the mistake of having a security or fire alarm system installed, and then thinking nothing else needs to be done. But to work effectively, these systems will require some occasional maintenance. Over 300 of the false alarms we examined from last year came down to broken parts and faulty detectors, panels, lines and wiring.
As a minimum, we recommend calling a maintenance technician to service your CCTV systems twice a year, and other intruder and alarm systems at least once a year.
• A Tidy Environment
As we’ve spotted from our research, a surprising number of alarms are set off by cobwebs hanging near or around the alarm. A simple way to prevent this from happening is to keep your environment tidy and regularly clean the surrounding area. Making a habit of giving the area around the detector a quick dust each time you clean could prevent an inconvenient and unnecessary alarm call out in the middle of the night. If you’re short on time, our cleaning services can offer a bespoke and comprehensive solution to keep your workplace clean and tidy.
• Staff Training
Most modern alarm systems aren’t complex or difficult to operate, but that doesn’t mean you should skip the training. With staff errors being our fourth most common reason for a call out, for example where alarms hadn’t been set correctly, it’s clear to see why this is so important.
Ensuring that all staff who are responsible for setting your alarms on and off are fully trained is vital to make sure the system is working exactly as it should.
• Pest Control
Rats, mice, spiders and various flying insects can easily set off sensitive intruder alarms, and this is often in the middle of the night when no one else is around. Keeping on top of any pest issues both in and around your premises could help prevent these problems from occurring.
How We Can Help
Our expertise stretches further than just alarm systems. Our integrated approach utilises innovative electronic systems alongside guarding, to create a tailored and affordable service to help you protect both your property and people.
If you already have an alarm installed, an additional service such as our mobile patrols, or static guarding will add an extra layer of security and ensure your site is fully protected. A physical presence can spot issues much quicker than an alarm, and also provides a visible deterrent to potential intruders.
Security systems are another option that can help to give you extra peace of mind. Our market leading systems can be employed at key locations around your property to keep a close watch on your site and ensure your people and assets are protected at all times.
Trust in Samsic
We know how important it is to keep your business, staff and customers safe at all times. That’s why we offer flexible, highly responsive security solutions designed to fit your business and budget. Our expertise as an international security services company enables us to respond quickly and effectively to your needs. Whether that’s static guarding, mobile patrols, key holding, or events.
Our security operation is a principal member of the British Security Industry Association, and we currently hold SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) status for the provision of Security Guarding and Key Holding services.
We are also RoSPA Gold Award holders for our Security operations, in recognition of our commitment to accident and ill health prevention as well as our health and safety management systems.
