Installing a home security system is not enough if you want to keep your home safe. There are other external factors that can affect your security at home like power shortages.
This is essential since crime rates soar during power outages. In the historic 25-hour blackout in New York City last 1977, there were over 3,800 arrests made according to the Public Radio International. The New York Times also noted another similar incident in the city August 14-15, 2003 which led to 250 arrests.
While you cannot predict or control power shortages, what you can control your home security during this type of emergency. Most home security devices in the market are powered by electricity and the Internet because they are intended to run 24/7 and monitor any suspicious activity inside your home. But what happens when there are power shortages?
Your electricity provider may be reliable but you shouldn’t be too relaxed when securing your home. Always have your security systems up so you can maximize your home security features and avoid mishaps. Do not leave it up to chance that your house will not be the target of burglars.
Here are some must-have devices that you should have within reach or can be good addition to your home security system.
Alarm Back-up Batteries
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Most home security systems are plugged into electricity so they can operate 24/7.Blackouts can paralyze your home’s safety.
There are different types of backup batteries: system back-up batteries automatically power up your home security system so you do not lose any surveillance footage; and lithium batteries, which you have to manually load as an alternative power source.
Some people may think alarm back-up batteries are expensive, but these can make your life easier and safer in the long run.
Alarm Sirens
Asking for help as burglary happens during a power shortage is very challenging because it is dark and your neighbors are busy looking out for their own home.
Alarm sirens are a great tool to complement battery-powered lighting devices so that you can draw attention and prevent burglary even before it starts.
Light Sources
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Hand-crank or battery-powered flashlights will always come in handy during power outages. They are easy to carry around and provide sufficient amount of light so you can move around your house.
You can also buy rechargeable lamps for central lighting. Put these rechargeable lamps at key entry areas such as the main door, sliding windows, and gate entrances. Choose a rechargeable lamp with bright LED bulbs to light up a bigger area for longer.
Voice Auto Dialers
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Another function of home security systems apart from monitoring suspicious activity is to ask for help in case someone actually breaks into your house.
Voice auto dialers automatically call out for you in case there is an alarm. And during power outages, landlines will often still function as they are tied to the same power. You can usually pre-record a message and choose multiple people to call, including family or neighbors.
Cellular Communicators
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Cellular communicators are great for monitoring during power outages. They are powered off of your alarm system’s backup power so they keep working as long as your alarm does. And cell networks are often less prone to going down than internet.
One option to consider is the DSC 3G4000USA Universal GSM Communicator Cell Backup. It is a universal communicator that can work with a wide variety of alarm systems by connecting to the phone dialer of the panel.
Powerbank
Aside from the powerbank that you keep in your bag when traveling, it’s also important to have powerbanks stocked at home so everyone’s smartphone can be charged once their battery power runs out.
Get powerbanks with 10,000 mAh to 20,000 mAh so that can support charging of multiple devices. Remember to keep them in full charge so you won’t easily run out of power for your gadgets in case of a power shortage. You can also check on getting solar-powered powerbanks. They are compact and are able to accumulate energy from sunlight.
Be ready before the power outage
Keep your power shortage kit in accessible places such as below the tables and beside the cabinets. Avoid putting them at the bottom of piles or inside the cabinets so they can be within reach when you need them.
You also need to check them every week so you won’t go scrambling to fix them once the power shortage happens.
It is also advisable to have your home security administrator do maintenance checks regularly to make sure that your home security system is running smoothly.
Customer Service
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