Storm Season Security Protecting Your Home Before and After
Storm season can bring heavy rain, damaging winds, flooding, power outages, and unexpected evacuations. While preparing your family for severe weather should always come first, it is also important to think about the security of your home.
A storm can affect doors, windows, cameras, alarms, and other systems you normally depend on. If you evacuate, your home may also be unattended for an extended period.
Preparing your home security before severe weather arrives and checking it carefully afterward can help you stay protected throughout storm season.
Secure Your Home Before the Storm
Do not wait until severe weather is already approaching to look for weak points around your property.
Check exterior doors, windows, gates, and the garage. Make sure locks work properly and doors close securely. Bring patio furniture, tools, decorations, and other loose outdoor items inside or secure them so strong winds cannot move them.
The National Weather Service (NWS) recommends securing exterior doors and loose outdoor items when a hurricane threatens. It also recommends protecting windows with permanent storm shutters or properly fitted plywood when necessary.
Homeowners can review the National Weather Service’s hurricane preparedness guidance for more information about protecting a home when a tropical storm or hurricane threatens.
Prepare Your Security System for a Power Outage
Strong storms can cause power outages that last anywhere from a short period to much longer.
Before storm season, find out how your home security system operates when electricity goes out. Many professionally installed systems include backup power, but backup batteries do not last forever.
Check the condition of your security system and ask your security provider if you are unsure how backup power or communication works during an outage.
It is also a good idea to keep phones and portable power banks charged before severe weather arrives. If your security system includes a mobile app, a charged phone can help you receive alerts and check system status when service is available.
Don’t Forget Cameras and Outdoor Security Equipment
Outdoor security cameras, video doorbells, motion detectors, and other devices may be exposed to severe weather.
Before a storm, check that cameras and other equipment are firmly mounted. Avoid making last-minute adjustments once conditions become dangerous.
If you use cameras to monitor the exterior of your home, check your camera views before the storm arrives. This gives you a reference point if you need to identify damage or unusual activity afterward.
Cameras can also be useful if you evacuate, allowing you to check on the property remotely when power, internet, and system connectivity are available.
If You Evacuate, Secure the Home Before Leaving
If local officials tell you to evacuate, follow their instructions. Your family’s safety takes priority over the property.
If time and conditions allow, secure your home before leaving. Lock exterior doors and windows, close the garage door, and arm your security system.
Do not leave spare keys in obvious outdoor locations. You should also avoid posting publicly on social media that your home is empty.
Professional monitoring can provide an added layer of security while you are away. To learn more about the advantages of professional monitoring and how monitored security can help protect your home when you cannot be there, visit our site.
Check Your Property Carefully After the Storm
The end of the rain does not necessarily mean the danger has passed.
If you evacuated, wait until local authorities say it is safe to return. The National Weather Service recommends checking the exterior of your home for hazards such as loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage before going inside.
Do not enter a damaged home if you smell gas, floodwater remains around the building, or authorities have not declared the area safe.
Once it is safe, inspect your home security equipment as well.
Check:
- Exterior doors and locks
- Windows and window sensors
- Garage doors
- Security cameras and video doorbells
- Motion detectors
- Alarm system keypads
- Outdoor security equipment
- Internet and system connections
A storm can shift a camera, damage a sensor, or affect communication equipment. Finding these problems early can help you restore normal security as quickly as possible.
Test Your Security System After Power Returns
Once power and internet service are stable, check that your security system is operating normally.
Review your cameras and make sure they are online. Check that door and window sensors are responding correctly. If your system uses professional monitoring, verify that it has returned to its normal operating status.
If equipment was exposed to flooding, electrical damage, or significant physical damage, do not attempt unsafe repairs yourself. Contact your security provider for help inspecting or servicing the system.
Make Home Security Part of Storm Preparation
Storm preparation involves more than flashlights, bottled water, and batteries. Your home security system should also be part of the plan.
Before storm season, take time to inspect your security equipment, understand how your system handles power outages, and know what you will do if you need to evacuate. After a storm, check for property damage and make sure your security equipment is working properly before returning to your normal routine.
Cultris Security Systems can help you prepare your home’s security for storm season with residential alarm systems, security cameras, smart home technology, and professional monitoring. Call 281-506-8466 or reach us online at www.cultrissecurity.com to learn more about protecting your home before, during, and after severe weather.
