Get your security systems and routines ready for winter

It’s an ideal time to review your security procedures now that the days are getting shorter and the nights are becoming longer to make sure they’re ready for the special difficulties that the winter months offer.

Do not only focus on reorganising your wardrobe and tidying up your gardens now that winter is approaching but keep in mind by reassessing your home security measures.

Fidelity ADT group head of marketing and communications, Charnel Hattingh said that load-shedding remains one of the most daunting issues for South Africans and it can have an unpleasant impact on home security systems and your protection.

Besides power cuts, it gets darker earlier in the afternoon and lighter later in the morning in winter and the risk of fires is also greater.

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Hattingh advised doing a thorough overhaul of your security systems as soon as you can.

Make sure to test the alarm and panic buttons and schedule a technical service call if required by getting in touch with your security provider.

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

She also recommends getting a professional in to check the tensioning of electric fencing as it shrinks in colder weather and this can cause false alarms.

Link smoke detectors to your alarm system too.

Fires during winter can be caused by heaters, electrical appliances, alternate power sources such as gas or the fireplace left burning when you go to bed.

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“The best is to start at the perimeter of your property and work your way in. Think like a criminal and evaluate whether your fencing or wall, garden, windows, doors, shed, garage, and more, have weaknesses a criminal can exploit.

“As we tend to gather everyone indoors earlier and perhaps 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 simultaneously, regardless of whether the sun is up or not. To stay safe, be more vigilant in the early morning and at dusk, when you come home.”

According to the company, the following are the tips one can follow to stay safe this winter:

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• Check your curb-side house number is still visible in case of an emergency. This can save critical minutes for the response team in the event of an emergency.

• If you bring your dogs inside, ask your security company to partition your alarm system so that it still offers an early warning system with pets in the house.

• Ensure backup power supplies are in place to keep lighting, non-functional gate motors and security systems in working condition at all times.

• Set external beams in the early evening once everyone is home.

• Be vigilant when leaving and arriving home. Criminals take advantage of the longer hours of darkness in winter and are not afraid of the cold!

• Ensure your security service provider has the most up-to-date key-holder contact details.

“Security needs to change with the seasons. As we prepare to spend more time indoors, have peace of mind your security routines are as prepared for winter as you are,” Hattingh said.