Homeowners need to regularly check their security systems and pay attention to battery back-up supplies during load shedding.

According to Leandro de Beer, a private security consultant, when power supplies are interrupted, many people assume that their home alarm systems are deactivated as a result. But then again, if one has a secure and correctly programmed system, together with a battery, the alarm system will continue to protect one’s premises even during an electrical blackout.

He further mentions that the only time that the system may not function is if there is a technical issue or if the battery is low.

“Most modern alarm systems have a back-up battery pack that activates automatically when there is a power failure. There are a number of practical steps that can be taken to ensure security is not compromised during any 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 South African Police Service (SAPS) and home security alarm,” he says.

Leandro emphasises the importance of residents ensuring that their alarm systems have adequate battery supply and that they should be regularly checked, also during power cuts.

“If there is an additional battery pack, residents are reminded that because of load shedding, there might also be a higher than usual number of alarm activation signals received by security companies and their monitoring centres. This could lead to a delay in monitoring centre agents making contact with customers,” says Leandro.

However, homeowners can assist security companies and call centre agents by manually canceling potential false alarms that may be caused.