As the days get longer and the first signs of Spring appear, many of us turn our attention to “spring cleaning” our homes and gardens. While you are tidying the flowerbeds and washing the windows, it is the perfect time to include your CCTV system in the routine.
The harsh winter months of wind, rain, and frost can take a toll on external security hardware. A little bit of attention in March ensures your system remains reliable throughout the brighter months ahead.
Here is your ultimate March security maintenance checklist.
Clear the Winter Grime
During winter, salt from treated roads and general road spray can create a thin, filmy layer over your camera lenses. While this might be hard to see during the day, it can cause significant “glare” at night when the infrared lights kick in.
Use a soft microfibre cloth and a gentle lens cleaner (or just a bit of water) to wipe down the glass. Avoid using abrasive paper towels or harsh chemicals, as these can scratch the protective coating on the lens, leading to permanently blurry footage.
Trim the New Growth
Spring is the season of rapid growth. A branch that was bare and out of the way in January can quickly sprout leaves in March, potentially obstructing your camera’s field of view.
Walk around your property and check the line of sight for every camera. Trim back any budding branches or climbing plants that look like they might grow into the frame over the next few months. This doesn’t just improve your view; it also prevents “false alerts” caused by leaves blowing in the wind in front of motion sensors.
Inspect for “Winter Guests”
Spiders and insects love the warmth generated by CCTV cameras. During the winter, they often spin webs across the lens or even crawl inside the housing if there is a small gap.
Check the casing of your cameras for cobwebs or signs of insect activity. If you find webs, clear them away gently. Spiders are particularly problematic for CCTV because their webs reflect infrared light, making the screen look like it is covered in white streaks at night.
Check Cable Integrity
Freezing temperatures can make cable plastic brittle, while high winds can cause loose wires to chafe against walls or brackets.
Take a moment to inspect any visible cabling. Ensure that everything is still securely clipped to the wall and that there are no signs of wear or exposed internal wires. If you spot a cable that has come loose, it is best to secure it now before a spring rainstorm causes water to track along the wire and into the connections.
Update Your System Time
With the clocks set to go forward for British Summer Time later this month, it is a good idea to check your system’s internal clock.
Most modern, professionally installed systems will update automatically, but it is always worth a quick check. Accurate time and date stamps are essential if you ever need to provide footage to the police or use it in a legal dispute. If the time is even a few minutes out, it can cause issues with the “chain of evidence.”
Professional Spring Health Checks
While a quick wipe down and a bit of pruning can be done by any homeowner, a full system diagnostic is best left to the experts. If you noticed your system struggling during the winter, or if a camera has stopped responding entirely, March is the ideal time to get it sorted.
At A&M UK Security, we provide comprehensive spring servicing to ensure your home or business remains protected. We check everything from power supplies and hard drive health to signal strength and camera alignment.
Contact A&M UK Security today to book your Spring health check and ensure your security is ready for the seasons ahead.
