Will Your Home Security System Work During Power Outages in Canada?

Power outages are more common than we plan for, particularly during Canadian winters. Ice storms, high winds, heavy snowfall, and extreme cold tend to arrive together, usually at the worst possible time. While most homeowners prepare for outages by stocking flashlights, batteries, or backup heating solutions, one critical question is often overlooked:

What Happens to a Home Security System During a Power Outage?

Home security systems are not all built the same. Their performance during a power outage depends largely on how they are powered and how they communicate with monitoring services.

Systems that rely solely on household electricity may experience immediate or gradual shutdown once power is lost. When this happens, several vulnerabilities can arise:

• Sensors may stop communicating with the control panel
• Alarms may fail to activate or sound correctly
• Signals may no longer be transmitted to the monitoring centre

Without a backup power source, a power outage can effectively disable the system, leaving the property unprotected during a time when visibility is low and emergency response may already be delayed.

This risk is most common with older systems or basic installations that were not designed with extended outages or severe weather conditions in mind.

The Role of Battery Backup in Home Security Systems

Most modern security systems include battery backup to help maintain operation when electricity is unavailable. Battery backup is designed to act as a temporary power source, allowing the system to continue functioning during short-term outages.

What battery backup is designed to do:

• Keep the control panel operational
• Maintain communication with sensors and alarms
• Provide continued protection during brief interruptions

However, battery backup has limitations that are often misunderstood.

Important limitations to be aware of:

Battery backup does not provide unlimited power. Depending on system design, usage, and battery condition, backup power typically lasts between 4 and 24 hours.

Extended outages common during major winter storms can exceed this window. Once the battery is depleted, system functionality may be reduced or lost entirely unless additional safeguards are in place.

What Happens When the Internet or Phone Lines Are Also Down?

Power outages frequently affect more than just electricity. Internet service and landline phone connections may also be disrupted, particularly during severe weather events.

If a security system depends on:

• Home internet connections
• Traditional phone lines

Monitoring services may be interrupted even if the system itself still has battery power.

This creates a critical gap: the system may detect an issue, but without a communication path, alerts cannot be sent to the monitoring centre. Many homeowners are unaware of this vulnerability until an outage occurs.

Cellular Monitoring Is Essential During Power Outages

Security systems equipped with cellular monitoring offer a significantly higher level of reliability during outages.

Instead of relying on home internet or landlines, these systems communicate via cellular networks. This provides several important advantages:

• Cellular networks often remain operational during power outages
• Signals can continue reaching the monitoring centre
• System status updates and emergency alerts remain active

As a result, even if a home is without power, internet, or phone service, the security system can remain connected and monitored. Cellular monitoring adds a critical layer of resilience, ensuring protection does not depend on a single point of failure.

Are Power Outages a Security Risk?

Yes. Power outages can increase security risks, particularly when systems go offline.

During outages:

• Homes may appear unoccupied or inactive
• Exterior lighting and visibility may be reduced
• Alarm systems without backup or connectivity may stop functioning

These conditions can make properties more vulnerable, especially during extended outages or widespread weather emergencies. A security system that continues to operate and communicate helps reduce these risks and supports faster response when incidents occur.

How to Evaluate Whether Your Security System Is Outage-Ready

To ensure continued protection during power interruptions, homeowners should consider the following questions:

• Does the system include battery backup?
• How long can the system operate on backup power?
• Is cellular monitoring included?
• What happens if both power and internet services are unavailable?

If these details are unclear or undocumented, the system may not provide the level of protection expected during an outage.

Learn More – Preparing Your Home for Fall Storms: How Smart Monitoring Prevents Costly Damage Here

Staying Prepared With Alarm Guard Security

Power outages are a regular occurrence in Canada. Losing home security during one should not be.

A dependable security system should be designed to:

• Maintain power during outages
• Communicate independently of home internet
• Continue monitoring under adverse conditions

Alarm Guard Security systems are designed with these requirements in mind. With battery backup and cellular monitoring options, protection remains in place even when utilities are unavailable.

When the power goes out, your security system should remain operational—quietly monitoring, communicating, and protecting your home.

For more information, call Alarm Guard Security at 1-866-282-3331. visit Instagram Profile here