Load-shedding: Check your security before the lights go out
Security company on load shedding and its impact on your security.
With load-shedding being experienced by large parts of the country in recent days, a private security company has warned South Africans to make sure their alarm systems are tested and working properly.
“Many people are under the incorrect assumption that their home alarm system is deactivated when the power supply is interrupted. However, if you have a stable and correctly programmed system coupled with a battery that is in good condition, it will continue to protect the premises during a power outage – regardless if the outage is because of load-shedding or not,” said Agnieszka Gryn, General Manager at Fidelity ADT’s Inland region.
The only time it may not function correctly is if there is a technical issue, or the battery power is low.
“Most modern alarm systems have a back-up battery pack that activates automatically when there is a power failure,” said Agnieszka.
She added that there are a number of practical steps that can be taken to ensure security is not compromised during power cuts.
Some of these include ensuring that the alarm system has an adequate battery supply, that all automated gates and doors are secured and lastly to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to your security provider or the police.
With the added inconvenience of the lights going out at night due to power cuts, candles and touch-lights are handy alternatives. Agnieszka said home- and business owners should consider installing Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology, which is integrated into the alarm system’s wiring and automatically switches on for a maximum of 15 minutes when there is a power outage.
“If there is an additional battery pack, the small, non-intrusive LED lights can stay on for the duration of the power outage – or a maximum of 40 hours – without draining the primary alarm battery,” she explained.
The most important things to remember about being prepared for a power cut are:
• It is important that your alarm system has an adequate battery supply. Batteries should be checked regularly.
• Alarms should be checked during extended power outages to keep systems running.
• Power cuts can impact on fire systems and fire control systems; so these also need to be checked regularly too.
• Frequent use of gas and candles can increase the risk of fire; therefore home fire extinguishers should be on hand.
• Above all, remain vigilant during a power cut; be on the look-out for any suspicious activity and report this to your security company or the police immediately
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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