Test your alarms frequently
Ignoring the maintenance on your car can lead to costly repairs and even loss of life. Alarm systems in our homes and businesses should be tested and updated periodically.
1. Make sure the batteries in your smoke detectors are replaced every 6 months
2. Replace the panel battery in your main alarm panel every 3 to 5 years and label the battery with the replacement date.
3. Call your central station, place the system in test and perform a routine test making sure that all the points function as they should. In a business the annual NFPA 72 test is required by Law so make sure the Fire Alarm is tested once a year and the report filed.
4. Call the central station back and get a report of all the points that were received to be assured that you tested all the zones and devices on your point/zone list.
5. CO detectors expire every 5 or 7 years and need to be replaced. Check the dates. Smoke Detectors should be replaced every 10 years or so and they should be cleaned every 6 months. Put your system in test before you clean them since most of the time vacuuming them will set the alarm off. Read the instructions for your smoke detectors on proper care and maintenance before do it. New low frequency sounders are coming out to meet NFPA 72 code (get the newer equipment which wakes people up more effectively)
6. When you don't feel confident doing these things for yourself you can call a reputable service company to help you. The hourly cost will vary although normally it is around $100 per hour for residential and around $130 per hour for commercial labor rates. Some of the smaller companies have lower labor rates when their overhead is less.
7. Peak Alarm has received 5 complaints with the Better Business Bureau in the last 3 years and has resolved all of them. Unfortunately some of our competitors have had hundreds and a couple of local companies have had thousands of complaints logged against them on www.bbb.org Peak Alarm is acredited and has a rating of A+ with the BBB. Check before getting pricing from any company to avoid the headache of dealing with organizations that may not be professional.
Larry Love
(801) 428 1384
Master Fire Alarm Tech State of Utah / NICET II#107204 Fire Alarm Systems
I welcome corrections and clarifications larry@peakalarm.com