Just like us, our pets feel the cold and need shelter and proper care to make it through the icy, dark (load-shedding) nights. However, if Fido is spending his days snuggled up indoors, who is taking care of the perimeter patrol and sniffing out suspicious no-gooders?
Charnel Hattingh, Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity Services Group, reminds us how important it is to replace one layer of security with another if seasons or circumstances change.
Hattingh says people should not get dogs purely for ‘security’.
“But there is merit in their contribution to our security at home. Big or small, dogs play an important role in the early detection of unwanted visitors or anything else that could be wrong, like a fire or someone needing emergency medical assistance.
“Many people keep their dogs inside due to poisonings still being rife. However, when dogs spend more time indoors in winter, their watchful presence in the garden could provide just the opportunity a criminal is waiting for, day or night.”
“It is important to keep security around your home and family tight at all times and regularly evaluate the systems you have to ensure they are functioning optimally.”
Hattingh explains proper home security as layered, like an onion. Your home and family are safely in the centre with various outer layers of protection around you.
“The first layer is perimeter security. This entails good quality, secure gates, locks, walling, palisade fencing, and electric fencing.
“The second layer is comprised of security systems like outdoor beams and CCTV, as well as a lockbox for your private security company to gain entry in an emergency.
“Thirdly, you have sensor lights in strategic areas around the house, strong burglar bars on windows, and high-quality security gates and doors.
ALSO READ: 7 Tips to protecting your identity online
“Moving into the home itself, an alarm system with panic buttons is armed whenever you leave home and when you go to bed at night. Arm areas not in use and outdoor beams when everyone is home for the evening (and Fido is curled up at your feet).”
In addition to these important four layers of protection, Hattingh says another vital component is being vigilant.
“Everyone in the household, including domestic staff, need to be on the same page when it comes to home security. Ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency and who to contact, how to initiate a panic signal and what the relevant passwords for your security provider are.
“Your alarm system, outdoor beams and electric fencing should be linked to an armed reaction service for optimal safety. The help you can get at the push of a button includes a fire or medical emergency,” she explains.
Smart security systems linked to armed response services are also tightening the net for criminals.
ALSO CHECK: Parolees in Standerton arrested after found in possession of suspected stolen items
Hattingh explains these allow homeowners to receive alerts on their smart devices and view live footage from the premises when they are not home. You can also view who is at the gate and even open the front door for them, or put lights on and off.
“Many people take their animals everywhere they go, even on extended holidays. Our fur babies may be just that, but their presence at home, whether inside or outside, has been an early alert for many homeowners, and could even save lives.
“If you and Fido are not home to detect unwanted visitors, ensure your other security systems are stepping up and doing the barking and biting!”
This information was supplied by Fidelity ADT.
