With loadshedding being experienced in many parts of the country in recent days, a private security company has warned South Africans to make sure their alarm systems are tested and working properly.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany people are under the incorrect assumption that their home alarm system is deactivated when the power supply is interrupted.<\/p>
\u201cHowever, if you have a stable and correctly programmed system coupled with a battery that is in good condition, it will continue to protect the premises during a power outage \u2013 regardless if the outage is because of load shedding or not,\u201d said Charnel Hattingh, national marketing and communications manager for Fidelity ADT.<\/p>\n
The only time it may not function correctly is if there is a technical issue, or the battery power is low.<\/p>
\u201cMost modern alarm systems have a backup battery pack that activates automatically when there is a power failure,\u201d said Hattingh.<\/p>\n
She added that there are a number of practical steps that can be taken to ensure security is not compromised during power cuts.<\/p>\n
Some of these include ensuring that the alarm system has an adequate battery supply, that all automated gates and doors are secured and lastly to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to your security provider or the SAPS.<\/p>\n
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ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Keep safe as the festive season approaches<\/a><\/p>\n Police appeal to parents to keep their children safe<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n With the added inconvenience of the lights going out at night due to power cuts, candles and touch-lights are handy alternatives.<\/p>\n Hattingh said home and business owners should consider installing light-emitting diode (LED) technology, which is integrated into the alarm system\u2019s wiring and automatically switches on for a maximum of 15 minutes when there is a power outage.<\/p>\n \u201cIf there is an additional battery pack, the small, non-intrusive LED lights can stay on for the duration of the power outage \u2013 or a maximum of 40 hours \u2013 without draining the primary alarm battery,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n The most important tips to remember about being prepared for a power cut, said Hattingh, are:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 It is important that your alarm system has an adequate battery supply. Batteries should be checked regularly.<\/p>\n \u2022 Alarms should be checked during extended power outages to keep systems running.<\/p>\n \u2022 Power cuts can impact on fire systems and fire control systems, so these also need to be checked regularly.<\/p>\n \u2022 The more frequent use of gas and candles can increase the risk of fire, so home fire extinguishers should be on hand.<\/p>\n \u2022 Above all, remain vigilant during a power cut; be on the lookout for any suspicious activity and report this to us or the SAPS immediately.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/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>\nHave a story?<\/strong><\/h4>\n