What the Time Change Reveals About Your Security and Fire Systems

Twice a year, when the clocks change, most people remember to check the batteries in their smoke detectors.

For businesses, however, the time change is also a good reminder to make sure your security and fire alarm systems are properly inspected and communicating with the monitoring center.

Many business owners assume their system is working simply because the keypad doesn’t show a problem. Unfortunately, that assumption can leave businesses unprotected.

Staying on Top of Required Inspections

Fire and security systems must be inspected regularly to remain compliant with fire codes, insurance requirements, and safety standards. The inspection and testing of fire alarm systems is governed by the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 72 code, which outlines how these systems must be maintained and tested.

One of the most common issues we see is that businesses simply lose track of when inspections are due.

At Sonitrol of Polk County, we take a proactive approach. Rather than waiting for customers to remember, our team reaches out when inspection time is approaching so your system stays compliant and your protection stays uninterrupted.

These inspections help identify potential issues before they turn into system failures.

Nightly System Communication Testing

Even if a system appears normal on the keypad, it may not actually be communicating with the monitoring center.

This can happen for several reasons:

• Phone lines disconnected or converted to VoIP

• Internet equipment replaced or reconfigured

• Cellular communicators failing

• Power outages damaging equipment

• Aging batteries inside the alarm panel

If communication fails, alarm signals for burglary, fire, or panic may never reach the monitoring center.

That’s why Sonitrol systems check in with our monitoring center every night. If a system fails to communicate or reports a trouble condition, our team investigates immediately and reaches out to schedule service if needed.

Covered Problems Are Fixed at No Cost

If we identify an issue on a customer’s system and the problem is covered under warranty, we take care of it at no cost to the customer.

Our goal is simple: keep your protection working the way it should without unexpected repair costs.

Too often businesses discover a system problem only after an emergency occurs. Proactive testing and maintenance help prevent those situations.

Why This Matters for Businesses

Commercial fires and system failures are not uncommon. According to fire safety research, U.S. fire departments respond to thousands of fires in office and commercial properties every year, resulting in millions of dollars in property damage annually.

Here in Polk County, commercial structure fires occur regularly. In one recent incident, multiple fire units responded to a large commercial building fire in Lakeland, requiring a two-alarm response due to the size of the building and the potential for the fire to spread.

Events like these highlight why properly maintained fire and security systems are critical for protecting businesses, employees, and property.

A Simple Reminder for Business Owners

The time change is a good opportunity to confirm your systems are functioning properly.

Business owners should periodically verify:

• Inspection schedules are current

• Alarm systems are communicating with the monitoring center

• Backup batteries are in good condition

• Alarm schedules are correct

Security and fire systems only protect your business if they are working when you need them.

Regular inspections, consistent communication testing, and proactive service are the best way to make sure they do.

Sonitrol of Polk County
Protecting Businesses 24/7
800-444-1191
sonitrolofflorida.com