As winter approaches, many of us take the time to reorganise our wardrobes and tidy up our gardens. But have you considered re-evaluating your home security measures? With the days growing shorter and nights longer, this is the perfect time to assess your security strategies and ensure they’re equipped to handle the challenges that colder weather brings.

Power cuts can have a severe impact on home security systems, putting your safety at risk. The risk of fires also increases as darkness sets in earlier, says Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications for Fidelity ADT.

Hattingh suggests giving your security systems a thorough check as soon as possible. Contact your security provider, test your alarm and panic buttons, and book a technical service call if necessary.

“This test is of the utmost importance. If the system is not functioning properly, the signal may not reach your security company. They will then not know there is an emergency at your property and will not respond,” she says.

She also recommends getting a professional to check the tension of electric fencing, as it can shrink in colder weather and cause false alarms. Fires during winter can be caused by heaters, electrical appliances, alternative power sources such as gas, or even a fireplace left burning when you go to bed. It is therefore a good idea to link smoke detectors to your alarm system.

“The best approach is to start at the perimeter of your property and work your way inward. Think like a criminal and evaluate whether your fencing or wall, garden, windows, doors, shed, garage and other areas have weaknesses that could be exploited.

“As we tend to gather indoors earlier and possibly change the times we go to the gym or walk the dog, security systems like garden beams and sensor lights must also be working properly.

“Most people still need to leave for work and school at the same time, regardless of whether the sun is up. To stay safe, be more vigilant in the early morning and at dusk when arriving home.”

Six additional winter safety tips:

1. Check that your curb-side house number is clearly visible. This can save critical time for response teams during an emergency.
2. If you bring your dogs inside, ask your security company to partition your alarm system so it still provides an early warning while accommodating pets.
3. Ensure backup power supplies are in place to keep lighting, gate motors and security systems functioning during outages.
4. Activate external beams early in the evening once everyone is home.
5. Stay vigilant when leaving and arriving home, as criminals take advantage of longer hours of darkness.
6. Make sure your security service provider has up-to-date key-holder contact details.

“Security needs change with the seasons. As we prepare to spend more time indoors, ensure your security routines are just as ready for winter,” Hattingh concludes.