The wet winter season in the Cape brings with it a wonderland of weather-related changes. It is important to remember the impact of these season changes, to ensure your safety wherever you may move.
“Home security systems are affected by changing weather patterns. Any changes should be considered by homeowners as it could require some tweaks to any security system that is installed,” explains Charnel Hattingh, Head of Communications and Marketing for Fidelity ADT.. The best advice, she adds, is for homeowners to consult with a registered armed response company for guidance on testing and potentially updating their systems. This could be to compensate for any damage for example due to heavy rains or strong winds, something we often experience at this time of year.
“Any part of the system that is located outside – such as motion detectors or electric fences – is exposed to the stormy wet Cape winter. If there is a significant temperature change it could influence the ability of the sensor to detect movement.”. It is also worthwhile checking to see if bushes or shrubs have become overgrown and are now blocking sensors.
Trees may also have branches that need to be trimmed.. Hattingh says fires pose a very real risk to homes, especially in winter. “This can be due to a fireplace left unattended or when a heater is left on during the night. We have also noticed fires caused by electrical implements that were not switched off when power outages occur. When the power comes back, people forget that the devices were still switched on and this led to overheating and eventually a fire.”. She recommends that all electric appliances are switched off when the power goes out. This includes switching off the stove where you were cooking dinner, and the hairdryer or the small heater in your bedroom.
“Smoke detectors and fire alarms are easy to install and offer a very valuable level of protection. Speak to your armed response company about the system they can install at your residence. It is also a good idea to have a small fire extinguisher in an easy-to-reach place at home in case you need to douse any flames,” says Hattingh.. “Make sure everyone in your household has the numbers of emergency service agencies in your suburb including the fire department. Show them the safest way to quickly leave the building in case a fire breaks out.”. Hattingh also urges people to be careful when they are out and about, considering that the days are shorter.
“If you like going for an early morning walk or a swim in your closest tidal pool, make sure that you have people with you especially if the sun hasn’t risen yet.
“The extra darkness can too often provide opportunistic criminals with the perfect camouflage. By being alert to your surroundings you can spot and hopefully avoid any potential problems.”
