Ensure nothing stops emergency help reaching you on time
For example, if your armed response officer enters the property in the case of an alarm activation and is suddenly confronted by two large dogs they didn’t know you had, you are jeopardising their professional ability to assist you.
Being in an emergency situation is traumatic and can lead to instant panic, especially if it is life-threatening. As much as nobody wants to put themselves in that position or dwell on the what-ifs of life in South Africa, we must if we are to properly protect our family and property.
This is according to Charnel Hattingh, Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity ADT, who reiterates to homeowners the importance of being able to get help when you need it most, in the quickest possible time.
She says a big problem for security companies protecting the lives and property of their clients is that many people don’t remember to update access agreements.
For example, if your armed response officer enters the property in the case of an alarm activation and is suddenly confronted by two large dogs they didn’t know you had, you are jeopardising their professional ability to assist you.
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“Recently, our armed response officers responded to a home they have access permission for but found the owners had extended the height of the wall. The officers couldn’t access the property, which gave burglars the upper hand,” Hattingh says.
“Homeowners must regularly check all their security systems to ensure they are working the way they should be.”
For example, Hattingh asks, are you 100% sure your alarm and panic signals are reaching the control room of your security provider? These are of no use should the battery life be depleted or if they’re malfunctioning.
“It is just as important to replace a gate remote battery the minute you see it is acting up and doesn’t open the gate as it should. Nobody wants to be stuck outside their gate. This makes you vulnerable to attack by criminals.”
Most security companies offer a lockbox option for access. This is a secure way to store house keys or access cards for whomever you have an access arrangement with, but be aware of these factors:
- How durable is the lockbox?
- How secure is the lockbox from being forced open?
- Is the keypad protected from weather, dirt and grime?
- Are the remotes in the lockbox working as they should?
“Remember that a lockbox is an essential weapon in an armed response officer’s arsenal when it comes to an emergency, so make sure you have the best in the business installed. It must provide a rapid way for the officer to gain access.
“Every second counts when help is on its way, so make sure the security systems you have in place will not let you down when it comes to someone gaining access – to, potentially, save your life,” Hattingh says.
*Compiled on behalf of Fidelity by Cathy Findley PR
