As the cold weather settles in, it is important to prepare your security system for winter-specific challenges. The team at Wellington Security Systems often addresses the following issues, many of which you can resolve yourself. Taking proactive steps can save you valuable time and reduce costs associated with service calls during the colder months.
1. SNOW AND ICE BUILD UP AROUND DOORS
Snow and ice accumulation can block overhead doors, warehouse doors, entrance doors, and roof hatches. This build-up prevents doors from closing completely, triggering a door fault notice on your keypad or causing a false alarm. For magnetically locked doors, snow and ice can interfere with the sensitivity of magnetic touch bars, preventing the door from closing properly.
What to Do:
- If you receive an arming fault notice for a door, check it for snow and ice buildup.
- Inspect the bottom of the door and around the door jams for obstructions.
- Establish a routine to inspect vulnerable doors for ice accumulation as a preventative measure.
2. LOW TEMPERATURE ALARMS
Low-temperature security alarms are designed to notify you when temperatures drop below a preset level. If these alarms trigger, it may indicate a room is colder than expected or there is an issue with a sensor.
What to Do:
- Contact your maintenance team first to determine if the temperature alarm is legitimate.
- If the room’s temperature is normal, the issue may be with the alarm device itself.
- Call your security provider to address potential device malfunctions.
3. LOW BATTERY SIGNALS
During cold weather, it’s common for batteries in wireless devices to send low battery signals in rooms that are not temperature-controlled, such as garages outside mechanical rooms or warehouses.
What to Do:
- Replace the battery in affected wireless devices.
- After replacing the new batteries, reset your system using the keypad to ensure proper operation.
4. ROOF HATCHES NOT CLOSED SECURELY
Roof hatches provide access for maintenance tasks on rooftop units (RTUs) but can become problematic in winter. Snow accumulation and incomplete closures by maintenance personnel can lead to undetected snow inside mechanical rooms. As snow melts and freezes again, it can cause ice buildup and water damage.
What to Do:
- Check that the roof hatch is securely closed after maintenance visits and snowstorms.
- Consider installing a door alarm on the roof hatch. These alarms can notify you if the hatch remains open, preventing potential snow and water damage.
5. SENSOR AND EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
Cold weather can affect the sensitivity and operation of security sensors and equipment, particularly those exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture.
What to Do:
- Regularly inspect sensors and equipment for signs of damage or ice buildup.
- Schedule routine maintenance to ensure your system remains fully operational throughout the winter months.
By staying vigilant and addressing these common cold weather issues, you can keep your security system functioning effectively and avoid unnecessary disruptions during the winter season.