08 October 2024

Tips for Quick & Easy Access to Your Home in an Emergency

Submitted by: Jacqui

Emergency situations can be traumatic and panic-inducing. When something goes wrong at home, it's vital to ensure that emergency responders can reach you without unnecessary delays.

Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Communications and Marketing at Fidelity ADT, shares some important tips to help save time in these critical moments.

Ensure Your House Number is Visible

One of the simplest but most effective steps is to make sure your house number is clearly displayed on your wall or outside perimeter fence. Hattingh recommends using reflective paint or materials that are visible at night, helping emergency services such as ambulances or fire trucks find your home quickly and easily.

Update Access Agreements

Another crucial point is to regularly update access agreements with your security provider. Hattingh mentions situations where emergency responders face unexpected challenges, such as encountering unannounced pets or changes to the property that hinder access. For instance, extending the height of your wall without informing your security company can delay access during a break-in or emergency.

Regularly Check Security Systems

Homeowners should regularly inspect their security systems to ensure they are functioning properly. Hattingh advises checking if your alarm and panic signals are reaching the control room of your security provider, as malfunctioning or depleted batteries could render these systems useless in an emergency.

Maintain Gate Remotes and Other Devices

It's important to stay alert to the condition of devices like gate remotes. Hattingh stresses the importance of replacing batteries as soon as you notice any issues with the remote. A faulty gate remote could leave you stuck outside, potentially making you vulnerable to criminal attacks.

Every Second Counts

“When help is on the way, every second counts,” Hattingh emphasizes. Ensuring that your security systems are functioning properly can be the difference between life and death in an emergency. Make sure that responders can easily gain access to your property when it matters most.

Press Release Submitted By: Fidelity ADT
Issued by Cathy Findley PR

Total Words: 305