Category: Security

Top Causes of Fire Alarm Malfunctions

smoke detectorFire alarms are an essential feature in any facility. While these systems are meant to save your property from the wrath of accidental fires, they could fail at some point. Having a faulty alarm system can put your facility and its occupants in danger. Some causes of fire systems are beyond your control. The best thing that you can do is to look for possible causes of this problem. And if you can enlist NYC Fire Watch Services, the better. That said, here are some common causes of alarm system failures.

Contractor Mistakes

Contractors working on fire systems, whether during installation or routine maintenance, may inadvertently damage the fire system. For instance, a common mistake observed among contractors is accidental wire cuts, which often leave some sections of the facility unprotected. Also, not protecting the system from a power surge leaves the fire systems vulnerable to a power surge. A damaged motherboard means that the fire alarm will not be activated even if there is a fire.

Vandalism

Vandalism is a common cause of fire system failure. Schools, prisons, and public facilities are good examples of some facilities that are vulnerable to high rates of vandalism. Vandals can cut wires or damage the circuitry of the alarm system, thus causing fire alarm system failure. As such, any act of vandalism that interferes with the system signal transmission or notifications features will undoubtedly leave you susceptible to an accidental fire.

Negligence

Negligence is a leading cause of fire system failures in many facilities. Failures caused by negligence are common to facilities that do not have a comprehensive fire alarm inspection routine. Unfortunately, this does not mean that regularly serviced systems are safe from failure. To avoid system failure, facility managers should endeavor to act on deficiencies outlined in the service report.

Natural Catastrophes

Acts of God can also cause fire alarm system failures. Heavy rains and stormy weather, for instance, often subject the fire alarm to some risk of damage, just like other parts of the facility. If there is a leak in the fire alarm system, it could short out the panel. This means that the alarm system will not be activated if there is a fire emergency.

The last thing any facility owner expects is a fire that goes undetected. Overall, it is imperative to ensure that you work towards mitigating any of these top causes of fire alarm system failure.

Security Tips to Improve Your Business

You need various types of security measures to run a profitable business. For example, burglar proofing your business to insuring your assets. The common security concerns are based on data and systems. Nonetheless, protection should also be provided for the premises just as much.

Here are some security tips you can try for your business.

Internal Security

Many businesses that have offices in commercial buildings use the locks and security systems that came with the offices. However reliable their systems seem, you should invest in replacing the locks with new, complex, and high-security locks. Most commercial buildings will use affordable locks, which might be a liability to your business. With your premises locked, you should have an alarm system with cameras, motion sensors, and sound alarms to keep you aware of any break-in attempts. It is more challenging for a burglar to break into a place with a guard than a place without one. Having a response team can improve the security of your business as well, which in turn improves your business.

Staff Security Checks


A firm’s staff can either shut it down or make it flourish. You should look into your team and ensure they are trustworthy individuals. Some employees seek jobs only to, later on, steal from the business. Knowing the traits of your staff can help you avoid scenarios like these. Some businesses give loans to their employees, knowing their credit scores can help you control who the loans get assigned to and what amount they receive.

Data Security

You should invest in the security of data as a company. This data includes all the bookkeeping information, the customer, employee, director’s profiles, and more. It helps you keep track of your business progress and can give you estimates of what to expect in the near future. This data can compromise your business when in the wrong hands, lost, misplaced, or misused. You can protect your firm’s information by building impenetrable data systems and employing a cybersecurity system that inhibits any malicious access.

Businesses thrive well when thoroughly prepared. Even though things may run according to plan, some unexpected events are bound to occur. Safety is an important part of planning for your business. With proper protection, you can prevent easily avoidable emergency expenses. Having a secure business ensures that everything runs as expected.