Housebreaking is the most common crime experienced by households in South Africa, with an estimated 1,6 million occurring in 2022/2023.
Knowing this, it’s no surprise that the Automobile Association’s (AA) 2022 State of Security Report (SoS Report) has revealed that 78% of South Africans added more security features to their homes to protect themselves from crime.
However, making regular checks to your alarm system is crucial to keeping you and your family safe. Also, with load-shedding a daily norm, your alarm system will be put through its paces.
So, other than deterring criminals from breaking into your home, what other important reasons exist for regular checks?
Confidence In Your Security
Performing regular checks on your alarm system ensures that it is working properly. When systems issue too many false alarms due to faults, response times will be compromised.
And when you lose confidence in your alarm system, you are vulnerable to theft, vandalism, or other criminal activities.
Minimise False Alarms
Regular maintenance on your alarm system will automatically minimise false alarms. Anyone who has lived next door to a neighbour with an alarm that constantly goes off can confirm it is annoying.
This annoyance factor will also mean your neighbours will not report or take notice when your home is being robbed.
This leads us to the next reason to ensure you perform regular checks on your alarm system.
Timely Detection And Response
When you’ve addressed issues of false and faulty alarms, you can be sure that if it goes off, there’s a problem. Knowing something is wrong quickly means you can call the authorities without second guessing.
The faster your response time, the better.
Extends The System’s Lifespan
Regular maintenance of your alarm system will extend its lifespan. Also, with load-shedding putting strain on your system’s backup power, performing checks on the battery means you will know when you need to replace it.
Also, alarm systems have many electronic components that wear out over time. Regular checks can help identify and replace any components nearing the end of their operational life.
Insurance Requirement
Many household insurance policies require the regular maintenance of the alarm system. Failure to ensure your alarm system is working can result in your claims being rejected.
Keep a record of maintenance being conducted rather than going through the emotional journey of having your claim denied.
Updating And Upgrades Are Easier
Making sure your alarm system is regularly checked means that when you can upgrade, you can do so without major complications.
There’s nothing worse than problem-solving how to integrate older technology with new technology. Often, the simplest solution when upgrading is replacing the entire system, which is expensive.
Rather, do smaller upgrades regularly and avoid large lump-sum bills.
Peace of Mind
In the modern world, there is arguably nothing more important than peace of mind. Knowing that your alarm system is regularly checked and maintained provides that peace of mind.
It also instills confidence that your security measures are reliable and effective.
And if in doubt, replace parts, such as your alarm’s battery.
