Tested Your Alarm System Lately?

The Importance of Testing your Alarm System

Just like medical professionals suggest you get a periodic physical to identify possible issues with your health, we recommend periodic testing of your alarm system, at least annually but even as often as monthly. 

We highly recommend testing your system immediately if you have:

1. Recently changed phone service or had any phone service done on your home.
2. Switched to an internet phone service like Vonage or Magic Jack.
3. Cancelled your landline to use only your cell phone.
4. Haven’t tested your security system in the last year.

This test will cover two important system communication checks:

1. Make sure that the alarm hardware in your home or office is communicating to the panel properly.
2. Make sure that your alarm system communication to the Central Monitoring Station is working properly.

Testing Your System is Easy

Before you test your system, make sure to let us know you plan on testing it.

1. Call our office at 410-546-2210 and listen for the prompt to test your system. Be ready with your Account ID or passcode.
2. The operator will ask you for your address and the Account ID. Next, the operator will ask how long you would like the system on test. You can either tell them a span of time (like one hour, for example) where the system will automatically send signals again after that span of time or tell them you’ll call back when you’re done to put the system live again.
3. Now that your system is set to test mode your alarm will sound and Central Monitoring Station will get the signals, but they will NOT contact the authorities since they know this is just a test.
4. Arm your system.
5. Walk around your home or office and test each device and let the alarm sound for about one minute. So, open the window and make sure the system goes into alarm using the keypad display and/or your siren. Reset the alarm and move to the next device.
6. Once your testing is complete, call the Central Monitoring Station back and make sure the signals were received.

You have now tested your system! As always, our service professionals are here 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.

Who is on your Security System Call List?

This is a great time to think about who is contacted when your alarm sounds. You created your call list when we initially installed your system. Do you remember who is on your call list?

Many of our customers set their call list more than twenty years ago! We recommend checking your call list at least every couple of years to be sure the information is up to date. Remember to have your Account ID or Passcode handy when you call our office, or complete this online form so we can validate your identity. 

Best Practices 

We recommend listing yourself and any close neighbors or family you trust to be able to check on your property at any time or the day or night. 

Each person on your call list should:

• Be trained in the operation of your system.
• Be able to access the protected building(s) on your property.
• Know the code to arm and disarm your system.
• Know the system Passcode or Account ID.

Passcode vs. Account ID

Your passcode is a single word designated by you that is able to declare a false alarm. Your Account ID is a unique series of numbers and letters provided to you on installation day on black and white cards the size of a business card. Keep this Account ID safe as knowledge of this ID will allow the bearer to make any changes or updates to your account by calling our office or completing this online form. If you haven’t assigned an account passcode or if you don’t remember what it is, just call our office with your Account ID and we can either remind you or change it: 410-546-2210.

If you aren’t yet an Alarm Engineering customer, experience the customer service difference a local, expert team offers. We’ve been serving your friends and neighbors since 1985.

Get Started and Save

Been thinking about upgrading your alarm system? Take advantage of savings with our customer loyalty program.

Are you unhappy with your current alarm company or looking for a no-charge, no hassle security assessment? Tell us a little about yourself and remember to use the FIRSTMONTHFREE promo code to save even more.

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410.546.2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.

 

Essential Fire Safety Tip: Listen for the Beep

Working smoke detectors save lives. Statistics show that they cut the chances of fire death by half. But will you hear your smoke detector when it sounds?

Since half of all home fire deaths happen in the overnight hours (between 11pm and 7am),  it is essential that your smoke detector is loud enough to wake you and your family. So, where your smoke detectors are installed can make all the difference.

Location, Location, Location

This isn’t only true for real estate! According to the National Fire Protection Association or NFPA, when it comes to smoke detectors it’s all about location. The most important point about this year’s Fire Protection Week theme is having a working smoke detector in every bedroom in your home. In addition, the NFPA recommends a smoke detector outside of each separate sleeping area and on every floor, even the basement.

24/7 Fire Protection

Alarm Engineering monitored smoke detectors work with your home security system to automatically notify the fire department. Monitored smoke detection means you don’t have to be home to call the fire department if trouble starts. We all tend to think that we’re home most of the time, but how many of these scenarios apply to your household:

• Away from home while at work, for the evening, a long weekend, or an extended vacation
• Kids are home alone
• In a home where the elderly, disabled or hearing impaired live
• Pets at home alone
• If you are unable to make a phone call due to injury or smoke inhalation

Review (or create) your escape plan, check your smoke detectors and test your system. Any smoke detector over 10 years old should be replaced or sooner if they aren’t working properly. 

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.

 

Time to Test Smoke Detectors

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, a properly installed and maintained smoke detector is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you’re awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke.

The National Fire Protection Association states almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke detectors. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire. 

Professionally Monitored 24/7

Unlike smoke detectors from your electrician or the hardware store, our monitored smoke detectors protect your home and family even if you’re not there to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself. Your smoke detectors are continuously monitoring your home 24/7 whether your security system is armed or not, so they’re always working for you.

Test your System

The National Fire Protection Association recommends testing your smoke detectors at least twice a year, around Daylight Savings time. If you didn’t test your system then, make sure to do it now! If your smoke detectors are professionally monitored by Alarm Engineering, your system will alert you if there is a low battery. However, we always recommend testing your system on a regular basis. Before you test, just call our office at 410-546-2210 to let us know you will be testing your system.

• Test smoke alarms often
• Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond
• Replace all smoke detectors when they are 10 years old
• Replace the smoke detector immediately if it doesn’t respond properly when tested
• Smoke detectors with non-replaceable (long-life) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, a warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away
• For smoke detectors with any other type of battery, replace batteries at least once a year. If the alarm chirps, replace only the battery

Smoke Detector Maintenance

Smoke detectors must be maintained! Your smoke detector only works when it is properly installed and maintained. Depend on your expert team here at Alarm Engineering to professionally install and service your smoke detector, then follow these general maintenance tips:

• Keep your detectors clean. Dirt, grease and debris will prevent the detector from receiving a free flow of air and thus an accurate reading.

• Do not paint your detector. Anything that blocks airflow defeats the unit’s purpose.

Never Disable a Smoke Alarm while Cooking

A smoke alarm is just doing its job when it sounds while you’re cooking or taking a shower with lots of steam. If a smoke alarm sounds while you’re cooking or taking a shower with lots of steam, do not remove the battery. You should:

• Open a window or door and press the “hush” button, if you have one
• Wave a towel at the alarm to clear the air

Disabling a smoke alarm or removing the battery can be a deadly mistake.

Get Started Now

Keep your home and family safe with a comprehensive security and safety solution from Alarm Engineering. We offer free, no-obligation onsite security and life safety surveys. Tell us a little about you and use Promo Code FIRSTMONTHFREE for additional savings.

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.