Don’t leave your home security checks to the night before you go on holiday
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 not likely 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 your car was up to the trip?
So, why do homeowners neglect to make sure their home security is up to its job while they are away? Just like your car, your home security system performs a vital function in keeping your family and possessions safe.
Charnel Hattingh, head of marketing and communications at Fidelity ADT, says 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.
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.
“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,” says 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.
Fidelity ADT suggests testing all components weekly, monthly and well in advance of going away on holiday.
“Testing should be done even more regularly if there have been severe storms or wind (anything that could disrupt the system), as are common in Gauteng at this time of the year. Home improvements or repair work around the house can also affect your security systems without you knowing so it is always a good idea to do the necessary checks after the project is complete,” Hattingh advises.
This could involve inspecting individual components of the system, changing the batteries and ensuring the system parts are communicating effectively with one another – and, most importantly, with your security company’s control room.
Top six tips for pre-holiday security system testing:
• Put your alarm panel (your system’s nerve centre) on test with your security company.
• Check your perimeter for vulnerabilities, such as broken electric fencing, foliage, worn locks on gates or sensors not working on doors and windows.
• Check all outside lights. Wind can shift lights and interfere with their effectiveness.
• 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.
• Ensure cameras are in the right position and recording as they should be.
• 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 concludes.
