Ready your home security system for winter

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

We know power cuts can severely impact home security systems, risking one’s safety. The risk of fires is also greater as it gets darker earlier in winter, says Charnel Hattingh, the group head of marketing and communications for Fidelity ADT.

Hattingh suggests giving your security systems a good once-over as soon as possible. Contact your security provider, test the alarm and panic buttons and book a technical service call if necessary.

“This test is of the utmost importance. The signal might not reach your security company if the system is not working properly. They will then not know there is an emergency at your property and will not respond,” Hattingh says.

She also recommends getting a professional to check the tensioning of electric fencing because it shrinks in colder weather and can cause false alarms. Fires in winter can be caused by heaters, electrical appliances and alternate power sources like gas or a fireplace if left burning when you go to bed. So, it is a good idea to link smoke detectors to your alarm system.

“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/wall, garden, windows, doors, shed, garage, and more have weaknesses a criminal could 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 work correctly.

“Most people still need to leave at the same time for work and school, 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.”

Fidelity ADT has more tips to stay safe this winter:
• Check that your kerbside house number is visible in case of emergencies. It could save critical minutes for the response team;

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

• Ensure you have backup power supplies to keep lighting, gate motors and security systems working 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 unafraid 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 that your security routines are as prepared for winter as you are,” Hattingh concludes.