The change of the season is a perfect chance to take a look at your home security system, so that you can welcome winter with peace of mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cWinter brings with it a change in the weather, which poses a whole new set of challenges for any security system.<\/p>
\u201cIs the system ready to deal with wet weather or any potential power cuts for example?<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen last did you replace the system\u2019s battery pack, and is it charging properly?<\/p>
\u201cEnsuring that the home security system works properly is an important part of home maintenance,\u201d said Agnieszka Gryn, general manager of Fidelity ADT inland region.<\/p>\n
She said that the alarm system and other hardware \u2013 such as panic buttons and infra-red detectors \u2013 must be tested regularly.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis test is of the utmost importance.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the system is not functioning properly it may mean the alarm activation signal may not reach the security company who will not know that there is an emergency and that assistance is needed.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt can be done together with the security service provider.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf anything out of the ordinary is noted, a technician can be dispatched to address the problem,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Don\u2019t be a cyber-crime victim<\/a><\/p>\n Empower your children to deal with a crisis<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Over time, home security needs can change.<\/p>\n Gryn said now is also a good time for residents to re-assess their overall security needs.<\/p>\n \u201cThis can be done during a walk around the property.<\/p>\n \u201cQuestions to ask include \u2018Is there a need for additional- or motion-sensing lights?<\/p>\n \u201cHow easily can intruders access the property and should outdoor beams be considered?<\/p>\n \u201cAgain, a security service provider can offer advice if there is any uncertainty on how to identify security needs,\u201d Gryn said.<\/p>\n She added that it is also critical that the security service provider has the most up-to-date key-holder contact details.<\/p>\n \u201cResidents must ensure that their security provider has the current contact details of their primary and secondary key-holders.<\/p>\n \u201cIn this way, they can be immediately contacted in the event of an incident or alarm activation.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is important that we all remain proactive in the fight against crime.<\/p>\n \u201cThe police and security companies cannot be everywhere all the time.<\/p>\n \u201cThe public is our eyes and ears and we depend on them to speak up and share any crime related information,\u201d said Gryn.<\/p>\n \u201cResidents need to stand together in the fight against crime and support their local neighbourhood watch and other community safety projects.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za <\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n