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THE POWER WENT OUT. DID YOUR SECURITY SYSTEM?

| Securewire Technologies

Storms happen. Power fails. Your security system should be prepared for both.

Severe storms across Central Pennsylvania have left businesses dealing with power outages, internet disruptions and unexpected downtime.

When the lights go out, most business owners start thinking about generators, refrigeration, production equipment and getting operations back online.

But there is another important question:
Is your security system still communicating?

At Securewire Technologies, we design security systems with continuity in mind. Depending on the equipment and system configuration, backup power and alternate communication paths can help keep critical alarm signals moving when normal power or internet service is interrupted.

SECURITY SHOULD NOT DEPEND ON ONE CONNECTION

A monitored security system needs two things to do its job:

Power to operate.
A communication path to transmit signals.

If either is interrupted, a system without the proper backup strategy may lose critical functionality.

That is why redundancy matters.

BACKUP BATTERY POWER

Many professionally installed alarm panels include standby battery power designed to temporarily support the system when normal AC power is lost.

When utility power fails, a properly maintained backup battery can help keep the alarm panel and communicator operating.
But batteries do not last forever.

Battery age, system demand and maintenance can all affect backup performance.

A battery installed years ago should not automatically be assumed to be storm-ready today.

CELLULAR COMMUNICATION

Your internet may go down during a storm.

Cellular alarm communication can provide a path between a compatible alarm system and the monitoring center without relying solely on the building’s internet connection.

For businesses using properly configured systems, cellular communication can help maintain alarm signal transmission when an internet connection is unavailable.

MULTIPLE COMMUNICATION PATHS

Some security systems can use more than one communication path.

Network communication may serve as one path while cellular communication provides another.

On compatible systems, if one communication path becomes unavailable, the system can use an alternate path to help maintain communication.

One system. More than one way to communicate.

That is redundancy.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE POWER FAILS?

A properly designed and maintained monitored alarm system may be able to:

  • Detect the loss of AC power
  • Transition to standby battery power
  • Maintain power to the alarm panel and communicator
  • Use an available communication path to transmit alarm or system signals
  • Continue communicating with the monitoring center while backup resources remain available

The exact capabilities of your system depend on:
the equipment installed, the communication method, battery condition, and system configuration.

That is exactly why your security system should be reviewed before the next storm—not during it.

YOUR CAMERAS ARE NOT YOUR ENTIRE SECURITY SYSTEM

When power or internet service is disrupted, you may temporarily lose access to certain cameras, network equipment or remote viewing features.

That does not necessarily mean every part of a properly designed security system has stopped working.

Intrusion detection, alarm panels, cellular communicators and professional monitoring can be designed as part of a layered security strategy.

The goal is simple: Do not make one power cord, one internet connection or one communication path responsible for your entire security strategy.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOUR BACKUP SYSTEM WAS CHECKED?

If you do not know the answer, now is a good time to find out.

Securewire Technologies can review your existing security system and help identify:

  • Aging alarm panel batteries
  • Outdated communication technology
  • Systems relying on a single communication path
  • Monitoring concerns
  • Equipment or system trouble conditions
  • Opportunities to improve system redundancy

THE STORM SHOULD NOT BE YOUR SECURITY TEST.

The recent storms across Central Pennsylvania are a reminder that outages will happen; the question is whether your security system was prepared.

IS YOUR SECURITY SYSTEM STORM-READY?

Please request a security system review or maintenance assessment today by clicking the email link below or calling us.
Security System Review Email Link

Or call Securewire Technologies at 717-461-3555.

Our family is protecting you and your business.