The power could go out in your neighborhood for myriad reasons – maybe a storm blew through, or a downed power line or transformer is the problem. For your children, a power outage offers the opportunity to plow through your supply of ice cream, but for the rest of us, it can be a real hassle. Your family’s safety will be at the top of your list. How do you keep your home secure in the event of an outage?
Check with Your Home Security System Provider
Criminals usually pass over houses with home security signs in their yards, but they see power outages as opportunities. To keep your family safe, call your home security system provider and see what kind of backup options they offer. Most systems will run for 24 hours on battery power. Some may run longer, but check with your provider to make sure that there is at least battery backup.
If you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages, think about what kind of monitoring you should have. Landline and cell monitoring will continue to work during an outage. Broadband monitoring is especially vulnerable during outages, however, so keep that in mind when you’re shopping for a security system in Columbus, OH.
Be Prepared
Check with your home security system provider to see if you can purchase 24-hour batteries from them to use for backup power. You may also be able to purchase them online; just check the specs listed on the battery and search for options.
You may also want to consider buying a generator. Smaller generators can run from your garage and power key appliances in your home; make sure that your security system is plugged into one of those circuits. If you have the budget for a larger generator, some are capable of powering your entire home through an outage.
A safe for valuables is always a good idea; if you plan on staying somewhere else for the duration of the outage, make sure to lock up all your valuables before you leave.
Keep plenty of flashlights, batteries, and handheld lamps on hand. Some people use camping-style lamps to keep their houses illuminated during an outage. If a house looks occupied, burglars are more likely to move on to a house that appears vacant.
Choose Your Security System Wisely
When you’re choosing a home security system, take time to do some research. What’s most important to you in a system? What’s your budget? Once you have a wish list and an idea of what you’d like to spend, contact the security professionals at All Secured. Our friendly staff will guide you through our state-of-the-art systems and help you decide which one best fits your needs. If you’re unsure, ask us! We love matching customers to their perfect systems. We won’t bog you down with jargon or try to push you to a sale; we’re just here to help you with your home security needs. If you have any questions, give us a call today.