The change in season brings changing weather patterns to all parts of the country.
Depending on where you are located, it can involve bouts of strong winds or even extended periods of increased temperatures.
“It ultimately boils down to testing your system today so that you can have peace of mind that it is properly working when you need it tomorrow. A proper system once-over is also very useful now before the December holidays arrive; we often get panicked phone calls from customers who only realise their system is faulty when they are about to walk out the front door and go on holiday,” said Charnel Hattingh, Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity ADT.
A good start is to take a look at your garden and the area surrounding your property. Identify any trees that might be overgrown and in need of a trim, or any plants that have grown to block your outdoor movement sensors.
“Pay attention to anything that could damage your security system when a sudden gust of wind blows a tree over and knocks down your electric fence. It is also a good idea to check the tensioning of the electric fence as it can shrink or expand depending on colder or warmer weather and lead to false alarms,” said Hattingh.
Another bit of advice, she adds, is to contact your security provider immediately if you have experienced any kind of storm damage.
“Technicians can do a quick and easy test to see if your security system suffered any kind of damage because of the stormy weather, and recommend what fixes are needed.”
Any conversation about security systems and maintenance should also include the topic of load shedding. Hattingh urges homeowners to test battery backups as they play a critical role in keeping the system running and making sure you are properly protected when the power goes out.
“Batteries also have a finite lifespan which is affected by constant power surges and interruptions.”
Hattingh suggests giving your security systems a good once-over as soon as possible. Contact your security provider and put the alarm and panic buttons on test, and book a technical service call if necessary.
“This test is of the utmost importance. If the system is not functioning properly the signal may not reach your security company and they will then not know there is an emergency at your property and won’t respond. You also need to know that your system will still function when bad weather strikes,” she said.
The best is to start at the perimeter of your property and work your way in. Think like a criminal and evaluate whether your fencing or wall, garden, windows, doors, shed or garage have weaknesses a criminal can exploit or which can be exacerbated by heavy rain or winds.
“Security needs to change with the seasons. By following these tips, we hope you will have peace of mind that your security system is as prepared for summer as you are.”
