Are you prepared for load shedding?

With the recent announcement that load shedding will again have an impact on many households and businesses, security becomes very topical discussion. It is important to adopt the right precautions to protect your most valued assets. Monitoring and security systems, like access control and alarms, are dependent on electricity. But what happens when the electricity goes off? Does this mean you, your family, your business are vulnerable to unwanted visitors? Not at all. As South Africa's leading fire and security company, Chubb prioritises your safety ahead of all else. This is why we've put together a list of five safety tips that will keep you safe during load shedding. We cannot stress enough that having an alarm system battery that is in perfect working condition is of utmost importance. Normally a perfect backup battery will power system for eight hours (dependant on how many devices are linked to that battery). It is also important to have your alarm system serviced every year. Don't leave anything to chance and follow these precautions.  Ensure that you have a sufficiently sized back up battery on your alarm system, to ensure uninterrupted power to your security system during an outage. Keep candles and rechargeable lights handy in case of unexpected power cuts. Always have a torch in your car, should you arrive home in the dark and need to open your security gate manually. It can be helpful to install battery operated or solar lights around your home to assist at night. Always be cautious at night when approaching your home. This is especially important during a power outage. Keep your portable panic button on or near your key ring. Ensure that you have your security provider's numbers programmed into your cell phone.  Home and business owners can stay informed about load shedding by accessing schedules at their local municipal offices or by visiting the Eskom website on www.eskom.co.za If you would like to know more about Chubb Fire and Security's security system and how you can be ready for load shedding, please visit www.chubb.co.za or call us on 086 100 2211.