Will a Hurricane Affect My Security System?

Most Bermudians over the age of 25 will remember the devastating damage of Hurricane Fabian in 2003. The good news is that this was something of a one-off and Bermuda is typically far less affected by hurricanes than the US and the Caribbean.

While Fabian was a direct hit on the island, most other hurricanes miss Bermuda by upwards of 100 miles. The result is high winds, power outages, flooding and minor damage to some buildings. Naturally, this is still a concern for Bermuda’s residents.

While hurricane season officially runs from June to November each year, the majority of hurricane incidents in the last two decades have come in September. Here are a few issues worth considering…

Many of the hurricanes that have passed Bermuda have led to power outages for a number of the island’s homes. If this is the case, you might be worried that it would put your security system out of action. After all, nobody wants to leave their home knowing that their cameras and alarms are inactive.

Fortunately, there are ways to prepare for this. Security equipment can be installed with its own power source. This can act as a backup source in case of any outages, by making the system completely independent from your mains supply.

Another issue comes with false alarms. In some cases, high winds can become so high that they actually trigger your security system, which can understandably cause panic.

Intruder alarms linked to key points of entry like windows and doors will be set off if these fixtures are affected by the wind. With that in mind, it’s best to make sure your windows and doors are securely in place if a storm is expected.

Another issue comes with outdoor furniture. While the wind itself can’t set off a motion sensor, it can blow other things out of place which will. If this is something you want to avoid, make sure all garden furniture – even the big stuff – is stored away in a shed, outhouse or brought inside if necessary.

One final concern for some homeowners is that hurricane winds could damage the security equipment itself. The simple remedy to this is to make sure your equipment is installed by professionals.

Poorly installed cameras, alarms or other equipment may well come loose in high winds, simply because they weren’t attached securely in the first place.

At Selectron, we provide a comprehensive selection of security equipment that will protect your home through any circumstances. From surveillance cameras and lighting to leak detection and fire alarms, we can give you peace of mind all year round.