The calm after the storm

Johannesburg is built on a network of rivers which covers parks, natural wetlands and developed areas.

For years, residents have been familiar with afternoon showers. However, storms of late have been accompanied by strong winds, a barrage of lightning and increasing reports of life-threatening flooding, specifically affecting low-level bridges and dwellings built within flood line areas.

“There are direct consequences for home and personal security during and after these storms,” said Jason Mordecai, chief operating officer 7Arrows Security. These storms also play havoc with many security systems and leave homes vulnerable to physical threats.

“We have had a number of callouts for repairs from lightning strikes and flood damage, as well as attempted break-ins as a result of the storms,” he said.

“Many criminals are aware that with extreme weather conditions there is a high possibility that the elements can destroy your gate motor in seconds or wipe out your electric fencing in no time.

“We urge residents to be aware of this and evaluate possible weak security points as well as make sure security systems are in good working order before and after all storms.”

Tips for security measures before and after storms:

• Ensure your home is electrically compliant, and surge protection is installed on the distribution board. This single element could be the difference between a tripped power supply, and a catastrophic event.
• Protect phone lines and other cables that run outside your home with surge protection devices – and ensure these are connected properly. The earth connections are critical to ensure that surges are safely diverted from electronics.
• Check for foliage around electric fences. Branches falling on electric fences will not only cause false alarms, but also costly repairs. The same goes for external motion detectors such as PIRs and beams. Moving foliage can wreak havoc during a storm.
• If lightning is a known issue, try and unplug devices that are prone to being struck. There are devices available that automatically disconnect phones mains when storms approach. Remember, if your alarm battery is in good condition it should last six hours when the system is unplugged (just don’t forget to reconnect everything).
• Always remain aware – being vigilant of your surroundings can determine whether you are targeted or not. The more aware you are of what is going on in and around your home, the better off you are.
• After the storm have a look at any possible damage it caused. Take a walk around your home, has your electric fence been damaged in any way? Is the fence undisturbed? Many people tend to disarm their fences during electrical storms due to false alarms. This would mean you wouldn’t know if it’s been struck or damaged. If possible do not ever disarm your fence, make sure that trees and bushes are trimmed in order to avoid false alarms.
• Clean and make sure your gutters are clear as this should prevent further flooding.
• Check perimeter walls – riverside estates especially need to consider the drainage and structural integrity of perimeter walls.