Do a demo Festive Season security check this October

It is unlikely you will pack the car and go on holiday this December without making sure your car is in good condition from bonnet to boot. Why take the chance of breaking down or causing an accident because you did not check that your car was up to the trip?

So, why do homeowners then neglect to make sure their home security is up to functioning properly while they are away? Just like your car, your home security system performs a vital function in keeping your family and possessions safe, says Charnel Hattingh, Group: Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity ADT.

“Regular maintenance can help to avoid a last-minute panic to get a technician out should you need one to fix a faulty piece of equipment. It is much better if this planning is done way ahead of schedule to avoid the last-minute rush and a potential problem happening if all the technicians are already booked,” said Charnel.

She added assessing your security system and getting any problems dealt with by a professional technician from your security provider should be done at least three weeks before you go away, but with all the damage customers are experiencing from the latest stint of load-shedding, she recommended an earlier check is advisable, particularly when it comes to batteries.

“October is a great time to start checking your system and with the school holidays just around the corner what better time to check your security system and do a ‘December dry run’.

“Your security system is only as effective as its weakest component. If you have invested in a home security system, you must make sure it is always functioning properly. One of the biggest benefits of having a quality security system is peace of mind, so you need to know it will not let you down when you need it most,” said Hattingh.

While security systems help automate the process of keeping your possessions and family safe, they cannot do all the work on their own.

“It is up to homeowners to conduct regular testing and maintenance as required on these systems. This includes security cameras, the alarm panel and battery, panic buttons, electric fence, motion sensors, smoke alarms, intercom systems and outdoor beams.

“Testing should be done even more regularly if there have been severe storms, load-shedding or wind (anything that could disrupt the system).”

Top six tips for pre-holiday security system testing:

1. Put your alarm panel (your system’s nerve centre) on test with your security company.

2. Check your perimeter for vulnerabilities, such as broken electric fencing, foliage, worn locks on gates or sensors not working on doors and windows.

3. Check you have a backup battery. This is essential at the moment.

4. If someone is going to be staying in the house while you are away ensure your remote and fixed panic buttons are working and that person knows what to do in an emergency and how to manage your alarm during loadshedding.

5. Ensure cameras are in the right position and recording as they should be and all outside lights are working.

6. Inform your security provider if you are unsure about anything or feel your security could be compromised due to a faulty system.

“Your alarm activation is our call to action to ensure you receive the right help when you need it most. Therefore, it is so important to know your security systems are functioning properly and especially when you are away from home,” Hattingh concluded.