Charnel Hattingh, national marketing and communications manager for Fidelity ADT, said now is the opportune time to consider whether your home and business security systems are still adequate.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen last did you test your alarm system?<\/p>
\u201cIt\u2019s one of those things that may have slipped by the wayside but is vitally important.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou must be sure that the system still works and that your security company will receive an alarm signal in case of an emergency,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Hattingh said it\u2019s also key that your security company has all your updated contact information so that they know exactly who to contact in case of an emergency.<\/p>\n
This includes the details of secondary contact people, in case the main contact person is not reachable.<\/p>\n
\u201cWear and tear is inevitable on any system as is plant growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why a regular check of the system and the surrounds needs to be done.<\/p>\n
\u201cTake a walk around the property.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you have big bushes or plants in your garden, make sure they don\u2019t obscure any outdoors passive or infrared alarm sensors,\u201d she advised.<\/p>\n
If you have done renovations over the last year check if the new rooms or areas are adequately covered by the alarm system and that the alarm system or components have not been compromised or damaged during the renovations.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Take charge of your personal safety with these handy tips<\/a><\/p>\n Do not tempt would-be criminals by parking your vehicle on the pavement<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMake sure any items that could be used to break into your home or business are stored in a secure location such as a shed.<\/p>\n \u201cThis could include garden tools, ladders, and such.<\/p>\n \u201cIdeally choose a location that is protected by an outdoor or passive infrared detector,\u201d Hattingh said.<\/p>\n Regarding wear and tear on security systems, maintenance, upgrades and replacements are a necessity.<\/p>\n \u201cWaiting until the system becomes faulty is not ideal.<\/p>\n \u201cUnfortunately, we do encounter incidents at businesses where a break-in has occurred and only then do business owners realise that their security system was not operating correctly.<\/p>\n \u201cWith regular maintenance and testing, this can be avoided,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Perimeter security remains key as a first line of defence.<\/p>\n \u201cEvaluate your access control, gates, electric fencing, and beams.<\/p>\n \u201cAre they still in good condition? Are they still adequate?<\/p>\n \u201cIt might be time for a perimeter security assessment and upgrade,\u201d said Hattingh.<\/p>\n Fire prevention should also be on the new year checklist.<\/p>\n \u201cFires are a very real threat and should be taken seriously.<\/p>\n \u201cHaving a fire escape plan, extinguishers and smoke detectors at the property are must-haves,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cFire extinguishers need to be checked once a year and batteries in smoke detectors do run out so perhaps consider replacing these.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is always best to get a professional in to assess your security solutions at home or at work if you are unsure about whether it is still adequate.<\/p>\n \u201cThese experts will be able to identify any vulnerable areas and offer the best solutions.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s start next year properly protected,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za,<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Ashley Kiley (Journalist)\u00a0ashleyk@caxton.co.za.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Also follow us on:<\/p>\n
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