Power cuts happen suddenly and unexpectedly, there really is no way of predicting when the next one will happen! For many home or business owners, one of the biggest worries about power cuts is the fact that their properties will be left vulnerable. After all, most security systems rely on a mains connection to function. So what should you do in a power cut? And how do you know whether your property will be safe? 

Will my security system work without a mains supply?

One of the main concerns with a powercut is that everything will stop working until the power comes back on. While this might not be a huge problem for some electrical appliances, like your toaster or your TV - your security system is pretty critical! If your security system is fitter with an emergency battery, then this won't be a concern. 

A backup battery is designed to kick in immediately whenever there's a power outage. This means your security system should continue working as normal! That's one less thing to worry about while you're scrambling around in the dark - and is especially important for business owners who might be concerned about their business premises in a mass power outage!

Do emergency batteries come as standard?

Here at IDS Security, we supply emergency backup batteries as standard with our fire alarms and intruder alarms because these are the most critical security systems. If you'd like to have an emergency battery installed with any of our other systems, we'll happily quote you for this as part of your bespoke system. All of our security systems can be fitted with an emergency battery at your request.

Will my security system still be monitored?

As you know, here at IDS we offer 24-hour monitoring & engineering with our maintenance contracts. These contracts provide you with round the clock reassurance that you're in good hands if an emergency occurs. If an issue is detected, our technicians will be called out to your property immediately! We rely on systems such as BT Red Care to make sure that the relevant emergency services are contacted if there's a break-in, fire, or another emergency at your property.

So what happens if the power goes out? Well, as long as you have a backup battery installed, we'll be able to monitor your property as normal. We understand how important it is that your property is surveilled, especially if you're a business owner who's not always on-site. You don't want to be stuck at home during a power cut, wondering whether your business is vulnerable, do you? Combine a monitoring contract with our backup battery systems and you can rest assured your home/business will be safe during a power cut.

Will my CCTV cameras work during a power cut?

To ensure your CCTV cameras can work as normal during a power cut, we'd recommend having a backup battery installed first and foremost. A lot of the CCTV systems we supply can be monitored remotely via your mobile phone - as long as there's a stable internet connection. We know what you're thinking, surely if the power goes off, my wifi will go off and I'll not be able to monitor my premises anymore! 

Don't worry, we have a solution for that. We can install a 4G router into your CCTV security system so that it still has connectivity during a power cut. As long as your phone/laptop has a 4G connection too, you should be able to monitor your CCTV cameras as normal. 

Did you know, there are now solar powered CCTV cameras on the market that come with a 4G sim card as standard? This means you can install a CCTV system that's completely autonomous and not reliant on mains electricity at all! This is a great option if you're someone who's concerned about power shortages in your area.

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If you don't currently have a security system installed at your home or business premises, IDS can help! We create bespoke security systems that suit your needs exactly. Want to find out more? Book a consultation with one of our technicians today!

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So, you've found your dream house, filled in the paperwork, picked up the keys & now you're ready to start your adventure as a new homeowner. Most new homeowners have a long list of jobs to tackle after they move in, from setting up bill payments to redecorating - it's always hectic.

One thing that often gets overlooked by new homeowners is home security. While it may not be your top priority, setting up an effective home security system should be something that new homeowners do shortly after moving in. After all, you don't want all your lovely new home to be vulnerable to burglars, fires or something worse!

First things first, request a survey

It's highly unlikely that you'll know all the vulnerable places in your new home when you've only just moved in. Chances are, you've never had to set up a home security system before, and installing things randomly will not protect your home. A much better idea for new homeowners is to employ the help of home security technicians, like the ones here at IDS Security.

With years of experience surveying homes, installing security systems and even providing regular maintenance, IDS can help new homeowners create a bespoke security system that suits their needs exactly.

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Typical home security systems

Here at IDS, we believe that each home security system should be different, after all, every home is different! That being said, there are a few key components of home security systems that can be integrated just about anywhere to provide a high level of security. So, if you're a new homeowner who's unsure where to start with their home security system, just keep reading...

CCTV Cameras

A great way to keep eyes on your new property at all times is to install CCTV cameras. The IDS team can help you by showing you exactly where to position them to get the best view of the most vulnerable areas. Better still, our CCTV cameras can be accessed remotely from your mobile phone, meaning you can check on your property wherever you are! This is especially great for new homeowners who don't know the area they're moving to, or who are feeling anxious about leaving their property vacant for the first time.

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Intruder Alarms

When you move to a new area, it's natural to feel unsettled. You don't know the people who live near you, or who walk past the front of you home. You may not even know the level of crime that goes on in the neighbourhood. For that reason, it's important that you consider installing an intruder alarm. Not only will it keep your home safe in the event of a burgarly, but it will also put your mind at rest so you can focus on making your new house a home.

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Fire Alarms

It's likely that your new house will have some kind of fire alarm installed, but does it work? And how old is it? If you're looking at adding a security system to your new home that'll last for years to come, we'd highly recommend upgrading your old fire alarm & checking out our maintenance plans. Fires can happen anytime, anywhere, so you want to make sure your new home is properly protected!

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Buying your first home should be an enjoyable experience. With a little help from IDS Security, you can have a top of the range, bespoke home security system installed in no time. Find out more about our home security systems below, or give us a call on 029 20 753 251 to find out more.

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Read More: Do Home Security Systems Impact Home Insurance?

If you're someone with a lot of valuables in your home, it can be a huge worry when you leave your house unoccupied for a period of time. One way that you can keep your valuables safe is by storing them in a safe place. But where are the safest places to store valuables at home? Under the bed? On top of the fridge? Today we're going to take a look at some of the best places to store your valuables at home.

Places you should hide valuables:

• A Safe - Installing a safe with a combination lock or keypad is a great way to store valuables like jewellery. Most burglars want to be in and out of your property quickly, and won't want to waste time faffing with a secure safe. Just make sure that your safe is attached to your home in some way so it can't be taken out in its entirety.

• Food Cupboard - This option is a little less conventional (and not necessarily as secure as a safe), but it can be a good option for items of less value. Burglars are highly unlikely to go stifling through your tins, rice packets or cereal boxes in search of valuables, so the back of a food cupboard could be a good option for you.

• False Bottom Drawer - If you're feeling crafty with DIY, then you might be interested in creating a false bottom drawer to store your valuables. Adding an additional layer to a standard drawer will conceal your valuables and baffle most burglars.

• Kitchen Cache - Another great way to store valuables is to keep them in a cache. This could be anything from a false tin can to a cereal box. Again, it's highly unlikely that a burglar will take the time to open all your cans or check your cereal boxes, so why not use them to your advantage?

Places you shouldn't hide valuables

• In a Drawer - People who leave valuable items in plain sight at the top of a drawer are likely to fall foul to a burglar. If they break into your kitchen, it's quite likely they'll have a quick rummage through your drawers because this is where people often leave spare car keys and other valuables. Drawers are easily accessible, so it's best to pick a different hiding place!

• Under Your Bed/Mattress - If you thought that hiding something under your bed would keep it safe, you're sadly mistaken. Lots of people believe that this is a 'safe' space and it didn't take long for burglars to catch on. Hiding money or other valuables under your bed is not safe!

• The Toilet Tank - We've all seen the movies where money, guns and other contraband are hidden in the toilet tank. Sadly, this is something that some homeowners try when it comes to hiding their valuables and it just doesn't work. Not only will your valuables get wet, but you also run the risk of a burglar uncovering them in a last-ditch attempt to scour your bathroom. Just don't do it.

• Garages - While it might not be the first place you choose to hide your valuables, garages are a no-go! Yes, you might have a sturdy garage door that's always locked, but if a burglar breaks into your house, there's a good chance they'll also gain access to the garage. Don't leave anything valuable in there unless you're 100% sure it's secure.

We could go on forever talking about the do's and don'ts of storing valuables at home, but the safest way to look after your valuables is to invest in a good home security system. Here at IDS Security, we can provide you with CCTV cameras, an intruder alarm and a whole host of other security equipment that will help keep your valuables safe, wherever you are in the world!

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If you've been wondering whether a home security system could reduce your home insurance premiums - the answer is yes! Most home insurance providers take your home security system into account when they prepare a home insurance quote. There are some postcodes in the UK where you'll be unable to get an insurance quote without a home security system in place! So, if you're considering getting house insurance, we'd highly recommend installing a home security system first.

How do security systems impact insurance?

When insurers are assessing your house to determine whether they'll provide cover or not they take lots of different factors into account, including:

• The area you live in
• The value of your belongings
• The security measures you have in place 

Insurers use this information to decide how much of a risk you are. If your property is very secure and in a good, low-crime area, you're at a lower risk of being burgled - so insurance companies are happy to provide cover for your home and its contents. 

How much could you save?

the type of home insurance discount you get for your security system depends on how elaborate it is. A single intruder alarm may only bring your insurance premiums down by around 5 percent. A bespoke home security system that features intruder alarms, CCTV cameras, door access control systems and more could reduce your home insurance premiums by up to 20 percent! 

Installing a home security system

Creating the best security system for your home is not always straightforward. In fact, if you want to get the most out of your home security system, we'd recommend creating something bespoke rather than installing one off the shelf. When you work with the team here at IDS, we will survey your home and provide helpful advice so that you know how to make your home as secure as possible. 

CCTV Cameras

Installing CCTV cameras around your home is a great way to keep an eye on all of the vulnerable spots and access points around your home. We use state-of-the-art technology that allows you to monitor your home whenever and wherever you are. Better yet, if a burglary does take place while you're away, you'll have footage recorded that you can use to find the perpetrators. Since CCTV cameras are a deterrent for burglars, insurers will often reward you with lower insurance premiums if you have them installed on your premises.

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Read More: Is it Worth Having CCTV at Home?

Intruder Alarms

Another excellent way to protect your property and bring your insurance premiums down is to install an intruder alarm. These are designed to alert you if someone tries to break in. Long gone are the days where intruder alarms were only effective if someone close by responds to them. Now, intruder alarms can be monitored remotely and around the clock, providing a far higher level of protection compared to older models. This protection against burglaries is sure to bring your insurance premiums down.

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Read More: Types of Intruder Alarms - Which One is Right for You?

These are just a few of the things we can incorporate into your home security system to help you reduce your home insurance premiums. If you'd like to speak to one of our technicians to arrange a FREE home survey.

COVID-19 restrictions are finally lifting which is great news for businesses across the UK! As shoppers return to the high streets, and employees return to the office, it's likely that that you'll need to take a few additional precautions to help keep everyone safe and secure. After all, coronavirus hasn't magically disappeared, so if you want your business to re-open successfully, we advise you put a few of these systems in place.

1. Crowd control

We all know that coronavirus spreads when people come into close contact with each other. If you own a business where large crowds of people tend to gather, eg. a restaurant or a shop, you may want to put a few measures in place to control the number of people in your business premises at any given time. 

Here at IDS Security, we offer a density control system that allows you to monitor the number of people in your business premises at any one time. To use our people counting system, you simply need to install our density control cameras at the entrances of your premises. All the data is sent to a user-friendly screen that you can monitor throughout the day to make sure large crowds aren't forming. 

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2. Fire alarms

Lots of business premises have been empty for a year (or two), so it's important that you check your fire alarms working before you re-open. Working in an environment without a working fire safety system in place can be disastrous, not to mention dangerous. The last thing you want is an accidental fire forcing you to close your doors or move premises, after only a few weeks of 'normal' work. 

A lot of the business owners we speak to have also had to make significant changes to the layout of their premises, this includes:

• Spacing out desks
• Re-arranging walkways
• Creating one-way systems
• Closing off communal areas

With these changes in place, business owners are advised to re-think their fire escape protocol. You need to make sure that everyone can exit the building safely and congregate in a suitable area. If you do make changes to your fire escape plan, it's important that you make sure everyone in the business is up-to-date and aware of any changes made.

If the fire alarm systems in your premises need updating, the IDS Security team are happy to help! We've created bespoke fire alarm systems for businesses across the UK and South Wales, so we can help you re-open safely.

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 3. Intruder alarms & CCTV

Crime rates fell by over 30% during the first few months of the COVID-19 lockdown. Why? Because everyone was stuck inside and businesses & pubs were closed! With fewer people on the streets, it was much easier for police to detect, prevent and respond to crimes. Now that everything is opening back up, we (sadly) predict that there will be a spike in crimes across the UK. There are a few reasons for this....

Firstly, business owners are preoccupied with re-opening and putting COVID-19 safety precautions in place, which means their business security is being neglected. Secondly, a lot of people are going out and 'making up for lost time' by getting drunk and partying, which means there's likely to be a spike in fights and drunk & disorderly behaviour. And thirdly, a lot of people lost their jobs during the pandemic. A generally poorer population tends to lead to an increase in crimes. 

So, what can you do about it? One of the best ways to protect your business is to install intruder alarms and CCTV cameras, both of which we can supply and install for you. Taking the time to improve your business security before you re-open is vital, especially as we enter the post-COVID-19 period. 

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Read More: Has the UK Crime Rate Gone Up or Down During Lockdown?

These are just a few of the precautions you can take when re-opening your business after COVID-19. With a little help from the IDS team, you can make sure your employees, visitors and premises are perfectly safe! Be sure to get in touch with us for a FREE business security survey. 

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