Make sure you ask the right questions
1 May 2019
Smart Home Automation
Security Services & Risk Management
Appointing an armed response company for your home is becoming increasingly essential with latest crime stats released by Fidelity ADT pointing towards housebreaking and common thefts as the most often reported types of crime.
Selecting a new security company can be a daunting task if you haven’t figured out what you’re looking for. Charnel Hattingh, national marketing and communications manager for Fidelity ADT, suggests weighing all the options before deciding. She says there are four questions to ask.
1. Are their officers properly trained and equipped?
“This is crucial in the case of an emergency; a security provider that deploys efficient and well-trained officers should be a top priority,” advises Hattingh. It is advisable to ask the company what kind of training their response officers have received. It is also imperative to be aware of what kind of protective items they carry when patrolling and responding to emergencies. For example, do they have vehicles with armour plated windows, and are the officers protected with Kevlar vests?
2. Is the security company compliant?
Check if the company is registered with the industry regulatory agency, like the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA). A company that isn’t registered won’t be held accountable for providing officers who are subpar. Non-compliant organisations are not bound to the industry’s regulations, which can negatively impact its services and employees. “The onus lies with the public to ask the relevant questions before entering into any agreement, and to be on the lookout for any potential ‘fly-by-night’ security providers,” says Hattingh.
3. What are you looking for?
There are many technical advances to make things convenient and give you peace of mind. CCTV cameras, home monitoring automation systems and mobile panic buttons are some of options available to homeowners. The company should keep abreast with the latest industry trends. “Technology available on your smartphone can help you to arm or disarm your system remotely and view your property through security cameras, aside from receiving a notification when your alarm is set off,” explains Hattingh.
4. What is the cost?
Ask about hidden cost and know what you will be paying for. To ensure good value for money, become acquainted with the various services on offer to suit your needs. “There is a big difference between merely offering a monitoring service as opposed to a full armed response service. Ask exactly what you will get for your money,” says Hattingh.
“Doing your homework and considering all of these factors will help you find the best security company to keep you and your loved ones safe.”
For more information, contact Fidelity-ADT, +27 11 697 7271, [email protected], www.adt.co.za
Further reading:
Partnership addresses fire hazard mitigation
Brigit Fire (a Division of Hudaco Trading) Elvey Security Technologies
Fire & Safety Security Services & Risk Management
Brigit Fire has partnered with the Elvey Group. The collaboration will see Brigit Fire distributing both the advanced C-TEC addressable fire detection systems (CAST Technology) and GreenMist lithium extinguishers.
Read more...
Fire protection for a solvent extraction plant in Africa
FS Systems
Fire & Safety Security Services & Risk Management Mining (Industry)
A prominent mining site operates a state-of-the-art solvent extraction (SX) plant, integral to separating and purifying metals from ores, which pose significant fire risks, as SX processes involve highly flammable organic solvents and elevated operating temperatures.
Read more...
Taking fire safety seriously
G2 Fire
Editor's Choice Fire & Safety Security Services & Risk Management
To gain insights into how fire systems must be designed, installed and maintained,
SMART Security Solutions asked Nichola Allan, MD of G2 Fire, for some insights into the local fire market.
Read more...
Onyyx wireless alarm
Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice Smart Home Automation
IDS has introduced Onyyx, a wireless alarm system engineered to provide complete system control via the Onyyx app or keyring, as well as seamless installation.
Read more...
SMARTpod talks to The Risk Management Forum
SMART Security Solutions
Editor's Choice News & Events Security Services & Risk Management Videos Training & Education
SMART Security Solutions recently released its first SMARTpod podcast, discussing the upcoming Risk Management Forum Conference 2024, which will be held on 26 September 2024 at the Indaba Conference Centre in Fourways, Johannesburg.
Read more...
There is a SaaS for everything, but at what cost, especially to SMEs?
Editor's Choice Information Security Security Services & Risk Management
Relying on SaaS platforms presents significant cybersecurity risks as the number of providers in your landscape increases, expanding your attack surface. It is important to assess the strength of the SaaS providers in your chain.
Read more...
Unlocking new efficiencies in private security
Security Services & Risk Management Transport (Industry) Smart Home Automation Logistics (Industry)
Justin Manson, Sales Director at Webfleet, discusses how the urgent need to protect life, and to do so more efficiently, is driving continuous innovation in holistic home and residential security services in South Africa.
Read more...
Innovation and security go hand in hand
Technews Publishing
Facilities & Building Management Security Services & Risk Management
In a world where the demand for tech innovation is matched only by the acceleration of cybersecurity threats, businesses face the challenge of balancing new product development and robust security measures.
Read more...
Acronis’ True Image returns
Information Security Smart Home Automation
Acronis has announced its flagship product, Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office, is reverting to its original name, Acronis True Image, with the new version release.
Read more...
Bomb threat landscape in South Africa
Editor's Choice Security Services & Risk Management
Over the past 25 years, South Africa has faced thousands of bomb threats and explosive incidents annually, imposing a significant economic burden on the nation, costing billions of rand.
Read more...
printer friendly version