Winter-Proof Your Security System: Protecting Your Business in Cold Weather
Severe winter weather can pose numerous challenges, affecting various aspects of our lives, including the security of our businesses. The unpredictable nature of winter in the UK, with its low temperatures, heavy rain, snow, and freezing conditions, demands that we take precautions to safeguard our security systems. In this blog post, we will explore how extreme weather can impact your security and provide valuable tips on winter-proofing your security system, specifically tailored for Paramount Security.
Access Control
Barrier systems serve as an important component of controlling access to your premises. However, during the winter season, they can face a range of issues. Accumulation of snow or ice on or around the barrier systems can hinder their smooth functioning and potentially cause damage. It is crucial to regularly clear away any snow or ice to ensure proper operation. Additionally, pay close attention to the footpaths and roads surrounding the access control systems, ensuring they are thoroughly gritted to minimise the risk of slips, falls, or accidents. Furthermore, if you have an external keypad or security token system, it is vital to check that all hardware components have a sufficient Ingress Protection (IP) rating to withstand the harsh environmental conditions, preventing any potential damage or malfunctions.
CCTV
CCTV cameras play a pivotal role in monitoring security, but they can be susceptible to weather-related challenges. Changes in weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snowfall, can affect the quality of the camera feed, potentially distorting the camera’s vision. To counter freezing conditions, it is advisable to consider equipping your cameras with internal heaters. This additional feature helps protect the cameras from extreme cold and ensures they continue to function optimally. Implementing an IP CCTV system provides the advantage of remote access, enabling you to monitor and respond to security incidents even when security personnel are not physically present. It is essential to verify that your cameras have the appropriate IP rating suitable for the environmental conditions they will face. Different IP ratings are optimised for various conditions, including water immersion and exposure to dust. Additionally, consider the specific conditions your cameras will encounter and make necessary adjustments, such as applying a marine coating for cameras exposed to consistently wet environments. The low winter sun can also pose visibility challenges for cameras. Regularly check that your cameras are not experiencing issues with sun glare throughout the day. If needed, consider adjusting the camera angles or positions slightly to avoid this. Moreover, the reduced daylight hours during winter can impact the quality of recorded images. It is important to check the image quality regularly and ensure that site lighting is adequate to capture clear and detailed footage.
Perimeter Monitoring
If you have perimeter monitoring in place, it is important to be aware of how temperature drops can affect the monitoring beam. In colder temperatures, the beam may extend beyond the perimeter of your site. This extension of the beam, if not accounted for, can result in false alarms triggering unnecessarily and causing additional inconvenience. To address this issue, we recommend contacting your security provider to ensure that the perimeter monitoring system is adjusted and calibrated accordingly to prevent false alarms and maintain accurate detection.
Prevention
Taking proactive measures to protect your business against potential threats posed by winter weather is crucial. Regularly conduct checks on your CCTV system before significant weather changes occur. This includes verifying the performance of the camera feed and assessing the condition of the hardware components. It is important to inspect the physical structures supporting your security system as well. Wet and windy winter weather can weaken structures, including barriers or poles used for mounting CCTV cameras. Regular security maintenance visits from your security provider can help identify and address potential issues before they impact the functionality and effectiveness of your security system. If you do not already have security maintenance in place, we highly recommend considering it. Having a maintenance contract in place can help minimise the risk of unexpected problems, costly emergency call-outs, and potential disruptions to your business during the winter period.
By prioritising winter-proofing measures for your security system, Paramount Security is committed to ensuring the highest level of security and protection for your business throughout the challenging winter months. If you have any further questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our expert team. Stay safe and secure.