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As winter approaches, many of us take the time to reorganise our wardrobes and tidy up our gardens. But have you considered re-evaluating your home security measures? With the days growing shorter and nights longer, this is the perfect time to assess your security strategies and ensure they’re equipped to handle all the challenges the cold weather brings. We know that power cuts can have a severe impact on home security systems, putting your safety at risk. The risk of fires is also greater as it gets darker much earlier in winter, says Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications for Fidelity ADT. Hattingh suggests giving your security systems a good once-over as soon as possible. Contact your security provider and put the alarm and panic buttons on test and book a technical service call if necessary. “This test is of the utmost importance. If the system is not functioning properly the signal may not reach your security company and they will then not know there is an emergency at your property and will not respond,” she says. She also recommends getting a professional in to check the tensioning of electric fencing as it shrinks in colder weather and this can cause false alarms. Fires during winter can be caused by heaters, electrical appliances, alternate power sources such as gas or the fireplace left burning when you go to bed. So, it is a good idea to link smoke detectors to your alarm system. “The best is to start at the perimeter of your property and work your way in. Think like a criminal and evaluate whether your fencing or wall, garden, windows, doors, shed, garage, etc. have weaknesses a criminal can exploit. “As we tend to gather everyone indoors earlier and perhaps change the times we go to gym or walk the dog, security systems like garden beams and sensor lights must also be working properly. “Most people still need to leave for work and school at the same time, regardless of whether the sun is up or not. To stay …

The shops are already brimming with Easter bunnies and eggs, a reminder that the Easter long weekend is not far off. “The schools are also heading towards a short break so now is the time to get home security in order,” says Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity. Whether you are staying at home or going away, ensuring your home is secure should be a priority before the Easter weekend approaches. “We often see a spate of opportunistic crime over the Easter holiday period. These crimes are not always traditional house break-ins while residents are away but also include driveway hijackings and robberies, and break-ins while residents are entertaining or sleeping in their homes,” she says. In the spirit of Easter, she offers these five hops to getting your security in order: Hop 1: Ensure that your alarm is in working order. Like all household appliances, your alarm needs to be tested regularly. Don’t leave it until the day before you leave as you may need technical assistance to fix any problems and this could take a few days. Hop 2: Make sure your security provider has access to your property in the event of an emergency. If you don’t have an access solution in place, such as Fidelity SecureGate for example, speak to your security provider about what your options are. Hop 3: Cut back any bushes or trees that may offer easy access over walls or gates to your property or provide places for criminals to hide. Take a walk around your perimeter checking walls and fences for any broken or damaged areas that may compromise their effectiveness. Hop 4: If hiring a house-sitter, ensure that you teach them how to use your alarm correctly. If you don’t have a house-sitter, ask a neighbour or a friend to turn on lights occasionally so that there is a sense that someone is around. If this is not possible, consider putting your outside lights on a timer. Hop 5: Double check that you have locked and secured all windows and …