Protect Yourself Before the Next Storm

Winter weather has already hit Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo this year and it is going to do it again. The winter storms that hit the area can come with high winds and large amounts of snow, which can cause power outages and a wide range of other issues that can affect your home security.

Basically, winter weather can have an impact on your daily life. Snow, sleet, freezing rain, and subzero temperatures can affect heating bills, driving conditions, and the security of your home.

To make sure winter weather doesn’t make your home vulnerable, there are some things that you need to know.

1. Power Outages

Very cold temperatures and high wind can cause power outages. If you have a security system, it probably operates on electricity. Due to the number of power outages in the area, a back-up power source is necessary.

That back-up power source can come in the form of battery power. Fortunately, there are security systems that have battery backup. If the power goes out, the system switches over to battery mode. When the electricity is restored, the system switches back to electric power. This gives you constant protection all year round (summer storms are notorious for causing power outages).

2. Communication Issues

Communications are usually affected during a winter storm. This can be critical for 24/7 monitored security services. It is ideal to add cellular monitoring to your home security system so your security monitoring service is able to switch to your cellular connection in case your Wi-Fi connection fails. This helps you prevent burglaries or theft because the bad weather isn’t bringing down your home security system.

You must also consider the fact that emergency services receive a lot of calls during a weather event.

use.com, power outages are increasing in Upstate New York

Basically, there are many ways to keep your system up and running during a storm, which amplifies every reason why professional security system installation is necessary.

3. Outside Lights and Surveillance

Lights and outdoor video surveillance can be seriously affected by bad weather. Security lights can be damaged by wind or ice. Professional video surveillance installers tend to place cameras in the necessary places under as much protection as possible to minimize or eliminate damage.

However, once again, it can come down to electricity. Any kind of battery backup that can be instituted can make an incredible difference. You might also want to consider a backup generator so that you can operate other areas of your home when you need to. Having lights on is a fantastic burglar deterrent. A burglar is less likely to target a home, or even a business, that is lit up when the power is out all around.

4. Protect Yourself

More diligence is also needed when protecting yourself. For instance:

• Have a battery-powered radio on-hand so you can get updates, storm news, and other information.
• Make sure your cell phone is charged.
• Create an emergency kit that has food, water, hats, gloves, blankets, batteries, a flashlight, and matches. Make sure there’s enough to last a few days.
• Keep all windows and doors locked when inside and outside of the home.
• If you don’t already have a security system installed, call a professional immediately. These systems not only include video surveillance, but carbon monoxide and fire protection.

Contact A Syracuse, Buffalo, and Rochester Security System Installer

SPS Fire & Security wants you to be safe whether the electric is on or off. That is why affordable home security options are available that are customizable and scalable. To learn more, use our contact form or call us at 585-770-0348.