Natural disasters are just that: disasters. Murphy’s law–which states anything that could go wrong, will–was probably written after a natural disaster. So many things can go wrong and it’s best to be prepared. With the cyclical nature of hurricanes, it’s important to know what a home security system can do to secure your home and what issues are involved. In a fight between home security system technology and Mother Nature; it’s a safe bet to go with Mother Nature.
The Modern Home Security System Advantage
The wireless age is a boon to people living in areas prone to hurricanes. The main reason is wireless service provides less wiring and other electronics which can be damaged or destroyed as the storm rages. It also allows remote access to change security systems, turn on/off the system as well as get real-time video of your home depending on the home security package you have.
While not a perfect solution, wireless does give better access to your home while you ride out the danger far away. Yet, even modern technology has its limitations. Wi-Fi can be negatively impacted during electrical storms the high water content in the air can limit Wi-Fi strength. Plus, if the storm damages booster towers, connectivity will be impossible.
Remote Access
It is probably best to deactivate your home security system during the active hours of the storm. The chance of anyone breaking in with 100mph winds is low, but it will be the time where your system will probably be setting off false-positive alerts.
Additionally, turning off your home security system will save battery power. One issue with batteries is if the system fails due to damage, the battery might still be drawing power and will seem dead when the power is restored when it’s actually simply recharging. Deactivating the system will mean you have battery power to run on till full power is restored.
The Remote Viewing Advantage
Another advantage of a modern home security system is being able to access camera feed if the system is still operational. Remember, if a door/window is breached, winds can whip violently through a home, which could knock the security cameras out of alignment.
Barring that issue, remote viewing will give you a heads-up for the amount of damage your home as sustained. Thus, you will be able to begin planning on what needs to be done before ever leaving where you are staying. The last thing you need is to have to guess what you’ll find until you actually arrive at your home.
Also, you can see if there is interior standing water so you can get a jump on calling in which ever repair services you will need. Knowing what you will need means not having to wait till you are allowed to return, so you’ll be ahead of most people in the affected area.
Hurricane Realities
Even with these precautions and home security system capabilities, there are things you and SafeTouch have little control over. A large, devastating hurricane will damage infrastructure making it difficult for police to respond quickly. This will result in the following:
● Police will be busy with higher priority calls which take precedence over a domestic break-in.
● Police will have a more difficult time responding in a timely manner.
● Most emergencies overload the phone system so even calling the proper authorizes may be difficult.
Therefore, you have to judge before you evacuate what you bring and what you have to take further precautions to safeguard.
If you do not transport certain high-value items like large flat-screen TV or computers, consider moving them to one-room and locking that room. Looters are smash-and-grab opportunists who usually won’t take the time to case an entire house. If they see no electronics in the living room, for example, they will assume you took them with you and move on to the next home. Again, not a perfect plan, but better than no plan at all.
Hurricanes and Your Security Options
When a hurricane strikes, a wireless security system with remote access cameras is your best way to properly monitor your home before and after the storm. But like everything else, it’s not a guarantee of security when facing the fury of a strong hurricane. If there is significant damage to your home allowing access there is little your home security system can do but provide video evidence of who broke in.
It still falls to you to assess the storm’s risk and decide what is important enough to come with you and what stays. Of course, regardless of a natural disaster, the existence of a live security system is enough to deter potential thieves who sadly will have other targets to hit after a natural disaster.