South Africans should use the changing of the season as an opportunity to rethink their security routines and make the necessary changes, suggests Stuart Clarkson, the Managing Executive of Fidelity ADT.
He said the arrival of winter means that it gets darker earlier in the evenings and this may provide useful cover for any would-be criminals.
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“That is why you should always be vigilant when walking outdoors,” he said.
Residents often keep animals indoors – out of the cold – during the evening and for that reason they don’t activate their home alarm systems.
“It is perfectly understandable that people want to keep their pets indoors where it is warmer. I would recommend asking your security company to ‘animal proof’ your alarm sensors, or that you partition the house in such a way that your alarm system can still offer an early warning system in case someone enters your property,” said Clarkson.
Winter brings an increased demand on the national power grid which in turn makes the possibility of blackouts a reality. Clarkson recommended making sure that back-up power supplies are in place to keep lighting, gate motors and security systems in working condition at all times.
He offered the following security tips:
• Leave outside lights on if you know you’re going to get home after dark.
• Partition alarms so that external beams can be set early in the evening, just after you get home.
• Check the tensioning of electric fencing as it shrinks in colder weather and this can cause false alarms.
• Link smoke detectors to your alarm system. Fires during winter can be caused by heaters, electrical appliances and the cosy fireplace left burning when you go to bed.
• Be extra vigilant when leaving and arriving home. If you notice anything suspicious alert your security company or the police immediately.
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