(Image credit: Freepik by Evening Tao)
In South Africa, load shedding is becoming a more and more frequent occurrence. While affecting the productivity of businesses everywhere, the threat to commercial security is another real concern.
Commercial complexes are particularly vulnerable during power outages, relying heavily on electricity for surveillance cameras, access control systems, alarms or other security measures. Criminals are aware of this, and according to local private security companies such as Fidelity ADT, they are actively seizing opportunities.
At Another Dimension, it’s important to us that commercial properties have the right back-ups and processes in place to keep their people and profits safe in these uncertain times.
Here are 5 ways to secure your property during load-shedding:
Backup Power Solutions:
While the initial investment is costly, backup power solutions are an important way of ensuring uninterrupted security during load shedding. These can be in the form of generators or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems to provide temporary power to critical security equipment, including surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and access control systems.
Battery-Powered Security Devices:
Consider incorporating battery-powered security devices into your security system, which function independently of the main power supply. These devices can be strategically placed in areas prone to breaches during load shedding, providing an extra layer of security. Chat with our team about the options available for your property.
Motion-Activated Lighting:
When load shedding occurs in the early morning or at night, criminals may use dark, unlit spaces to their advantage.
Installing motion-activated lighting in key areas of your commercial complex can enhance visibility, acting as a deterrent to intruders. When motion is detected, the lights automatically turn on, drawing attention to potential threats and reducing the risk of unauthorised access.
Off-Site Monitoring Solutions:
Off-site monitoring allows you to keep an eye on your commercial complex from a distance. This solution enables real-time video monitoring and provides notifications of suspicious activity.
With off-site monitoring as a key offering of Another Dimension, we’ve ensured that our control room is fitted with a high-end TV wall and backed up with secondary power sources to ensure your property is never left unguarded, even during load shedding.
By leveraging this technology, you can respond promptly to security incidents at a time when your property is most vulnerable and intercept a break-in before it becomes an incident.
Train Your Staff in Back-Up Power Procedures.
If you make use of backup power solutions, ensure that your team is equipped with the right training and procedures to make the switch (if not automatic) from the grid to your secondary power source. Making your staff aware of protocols for handling security issues in incidences of low-lighting, as well as providing regular updates on load-shedding schedules will ensure everyone is well-prepared and can respond effectively when and if needed.
Conclusion:
By putting the right strategies in place and partnering with the right security professionals, you can ensure the safety and protection of your premises during increasing levels of load shedding.
At Another Dimension, we are committed to helping you navigate the challenges and to providing innovative security solutions to keep your commercial complex safe and secure, even in the face of power outages.
Get in touch with our team today to discuss load-shedding “proofing” your commercial property.