The Impact of Weather on Home Security Systems: What You Need to Know

As our climate changes, ensuring the resilience of your home security system is more important than ever.

Severe weather can impact systems in different ways. This blog will explore how and what you can do to prevent damage to your system.

Extreme Temperatures

The fact that temperature records around the world are being broken year after year is a sad reality. High temperatures could potentially melt components in your system or at least accelerate wear and tear on devices. At the other end of the spectrum, extremely cold weather can seriously affect the battery life of sensors and cameras, perhaps even freezing stiff moving parts. 

Rain and Moisture

If unsealed, rain or moisture could seep into parts of your system and shut it down. As extreme rain events and flash floods become more frequent, it is crucial to ensure that your home security system is watertight.

Storms and lightning

Strong winds could easily tear cameras and other mounted equipment from walls, resulting in not only costly repairs but compromised security. 

A direct lightning strike can destroy a system outright. Lightning damage can also ignite fires with disastrous consequences. 

During thunderstorms, it’s advisable to unplug security systems temporarily to minimise the risk of potential power surges, but don’t forget to turn them back on again when the bad weather has passed.

Snow and ice

Snow and ice can present unique challenges. Heavy snowfall can not only impair visibility through build-up but can also weigh heavy on brackets and mountings, in some cases causing components to fall.

Freeze-thaw processes can create cracks in casings that are made worse with each cold season. Water seeps in, expanding as it turns to ice and as it thaws, the resultant water can damage electrical components further.

Power Outages

Severe weather can lead to power outages that can leave your home vulnerable to security threats as a result of the gap in protection. 

Steps you can take

Placement and checks – Careful placement and shelter of your outdoor cameras and sensors will reduce the risk of weather-related damage. Along with these regular checks, these two simple steps could reduce problems further down the line.

• Clarity of camera image
• Secure connection to remote devices
• Functionality of alarms – check batteries
• Functionality of sensors
• Check for water damage or cracks where water might enter the system
• Mounting brackets – are they secure? Use durable hardware to avoid risks

Lightning strikes – Invest in surge protectors and lightning arrestors to reduce the risk of fires. 

Backup power – In the event of a power outage, a backup source of energy is paramount in maintaining the security of your home. Investing in a generator can provide this peace of mind as thieves often strike during weather events. Don’t give them the chance.

Smart Security Australia are experts in providing professional installation of security systems and advising on regular maintenance. They are there for you, whatever the weather.