Staycation or vacation- ensure your alarm does its job

If this is the case, you could be doing your home a favour, says Charnel Hattingh, Head: Marketing and Communications for Fidelity ADT.

The most significant benefit to a staycation is that your home will not be unoccupied for a period of time for criminals to potentially take advantage of. Also, if any security-related issues arise you are on hand to sort these out quickly.

Hattingh says security should never come second to being on holiday, whether you are at home or away.

“We tend to really leave all our worries behind when we are in holiday mode, but this isn’t wise when it comes to your home and personal security,” she says. “Now is the time to check and test that all your security systems are working properly.”

She reiterates the value of an alarm system and why it is very important to test your alarm regularly.

“You shouldn’t have to worry about what in your home is being stolen when you are not there or the safety of your family when you are at home. Securing your home from intruders is critical and a properly working alarm system is one way of doing this.

“Your alarm can only do its job if it is functioning properly, so regular testing and servicing when required is very important.”

There are many ways an alarm system can protect your property, possessions and family.

Top 5 benefits of an alarm system:

1. Peace of mind that your family and possessions are protected.

2. 24-hour monitoring if linked to an armed response service provider, for quick response upon activation.

3. Easy access to fire and medical help by activating a button on your alarm panel. You can also hit a panic button on the panel for immediate response to a criminal attack.

4. Arm and disarm the system remotely on a smart device.

5. Be able to view goings on at your home on a smart device if the alarm is triggered.

“If your alarm is not working properly it can send false signals to your security provider. Not only does this put a strain on their critical resources but false alarms can also severely impact your vulnerability to a criminal attack,” Hattingh warns.

“The only way to ensure that your alarm is functioning as it should, is to test it regularly. This is a simple and quick process which can be done telephonically with your security provider. Remember to test all panic buttons too.

“In fact, all security systems linked to your alarm, like electric fencing and outdoor beams, should be tested regularly. Their functioning is part and parcel of a reliable alarm system which is there to protect your belongings and loved ones.

“Before you go away or start your staycation at home, dedicate time to testing your alarm and other security systems. Don’t leave it until the last minute as service providers are generally inundated with technical calls over the festive season. Book your call early to avoid your security systems letting you down.”