Home Security Systems

Introduction

This guidance provides advice on Home Security Systems, which primarily comprise:

• Intruder Alarm Systems.
• Home Security Camera Systems.
• The communications network required to enable these systems to pass critical information.

The information provided is intended to support high-risk individuals who face heightened risks affecting their personal safety and security, and those advising them. It sets out to explain how Home Security Systems can be used to protect people in their homes from attacks.  

The information provided is focused on protecting high-risk individuals, and those living with them, from physical harm from the threats posed by state-backed actors or terrorists, not theft or other crimes. It may, therefore, differ from crime prevention and crime design advice.

This advice prioritises the prevention of physical harm over cyber, information security and privacy risks. However, these risks, particularly those related to the security of home routers, are important. The guidance does not cover the security of home routers in detail, as this is covered in separate guidance.

Links are also provided throughout to additional and more detailed information:

• NPSA Protect Your Home.
• Crime prevention advice from the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) initiatives:
  • Secured By Design - Crime Prevention and Security Advice.
  • ProtectUK - Security at Home.
• Advice on securing your network from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
• Guidance on the capture and retention of images of others from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
• Information in relation to the selection of security systems installers from:
  • National Security Inspectorate (NSI); and
  • Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB).

What are Home Security Systems used for? 

In simple terms, Home Security Systems may be used to:

• Increase your confidence that your home is secure.
• Detect and investigate hostile reconnaissance.
• Deter attackers.
• If an attack is suspected, the system will provide information that will:
  • Quickly and reliably alert you and other occupants to a potential imminent threat.
  • Enable you to deploy other protective security measures, for example, security fog¹, audible alarms (including voice command messages) or doors to be locked.
  • Enable you to take appropriate and timely action e.g. locking doors.
  • Alert and inform the police.
  • Gather information to assist a police investigation.

There is a wide choice of types of Home Security Systems that you can install. They range from smart doorbells that are quick and easy to fit, to highly complex integrated security systems which will involve an intricate technical design and need to be professionally fitted. Therefore, for every home where a new system is being installed, or existing systems updated, you will need to make decisions as to how the risk can most appropriately be mitigated and consideration given to:

• The protection offered by your existing systems.
• The most appropriate equipment for you to install and the benefit(s) it will bring.
• The cyber risks that you must consider in relation to any technical systems.
• The cost and time taken for you to introduce such systems.

Additional information is provided in separate annexes in relation to:

• Intruder Alarm Systems
• Home Security Camera Systems
• Communication Networks

¹Additional information on security fogging systems and other Active Delay Systems is available from the NPSA.

What is included in a Home Security System?

An effective Home Security System is likely to comprise: 

• Intruder Alarm System.
• Home Security Camera System.
• Communication Network.

The information produced by these systems is intended to enable you to make decisions that will reduce the risk of you and other occupants being harmed by attackers.

• An Intruder Alarm System will warn you that an unauthorised entry has been made or attempted to the home.
• A Home Security Camera System monitors areas within and around your property. It can alert you to people entering a monitored area and enable you to quickly gather information about people and identify if they pose any threat.
• A communication network that passes critical information to those who need it, using alarm receiving centres, mobile phones and other monitoring features when an alert is generated.

As you consider the capability of a Home Security System, it is essential you remember that the overall protective security arrangements for your home MUST be broader than just the Home Security System. You MUST ensure your whole home is protected. This should include making sure the following essential components will work in parallel with any Home Security System:

• External lighting around your home which may help to detect and deter attackers. The lighting is likely to play an important part in supporting the deployment of the cameras and enabling an effective response to any alarm activation. For further information, go to ProtectUK and Secured by Design.
• The security afforded by the doors and windows that form the perimeter and protect your home from forced entry. For further information go to: Enhancing Doors, Windows, Patio Doors and Walls.
• The operation and effective use of all security systems by you and other occupants of the property. Without this element, the value of any protective security measure is likely to be significantly reduced.

What areas should the Intruder Alarm cover?

Think of your home environment in terms of security zones.

Zones	Area	Description	Measures
1	Beyond your perimeter	Full public access.	Limited use of cameras to alert  you to suspicious activity due to full public access to this area.
2a	Between the boundary and perimeter of the building	Front garden or driveway. Open access to private land. Limited controls on movement.	Cameras to detect movements in this area and identify suspicious activity.2
2b	Rear garden	Semi-secure and controlled area.	Cameras to detect unauthorised access; activations likely to be limited to authorised occupants and intruders.
3	Your home (house or flat etc)	Private space. Access controlled by the occupants.	Intruder alarm and panic alarm button(s).
4	Safer area	Higher security location to retreat into in the event of an incident.	Ability to activate any security devices (e.g. alarm sounder), monitor the threat via a home security camera system, and communicate with the police.

² Best practice is that such cameras should comply with British Standard BS8418.

 

Every home will be different, and consideration should therefore be given as to how the perimeter is defined and protected in each circumstance. This should include adapting the measures to residential flats in multi-occupancy blocks or to protecting garages, garden offices or other buildings which may form part of a home.

Whilst it is possible to combine an Intruder Alarm System and a Home Security Camera System, it is beneficial that you consider these as separate systems as they undertake different roles and provide benefits in the different zones discussed above.

Intruder Alarm Systems

In conventional terms, an Intruder Alarm System (IAS), also known as a home or burglar alarm, is designed to detect and then warn you that an intruder has entered your home (Zone 3). They can also include Personal Attack Alarms³ (also known as Panic Alarms or Hold Up Alarms (HUA)), where you can quickly and deliberately trigger the alarm at the press of a button, installed at a fixed location within your home. 

It should be noted that this guidance does not consider the use of SOS or lone worker alarms that are used away from your home. 

See Annex 1 for additional information on intruder detection systems.

³ For a Personal Attack Alarm alert to be sent to the police it may require a secondary confirmation, which may be via a call-back, or sequential video or audio. The means of alerting the police should depend on the likely attack types and be agreed with the installers.

Home Security Camera Systems

Home Security Camera Systems play an important role in protecting you and your family from harm by alerting you to activity in monitored areas and giving you vital information so you can decide what to do. Doing this remotely allows you to be physically separated from a potential threat.  

The advancements in smart camera technology and smartphones over the last few years have resulted in a significant change in how cameras are used in the home. It is relatively straightforward to set up home security cameras to detect people, vehicles or even parcels in a defined area and send alerts when activity is detected in the defined area to a device such as your smartphone.  

See Annex 2 for additional information on home security cameras.

Communication Networks

It is important to ensure that the means of communication are effective and resilient. As a Home Security System is being designed and selected, the following questions should be considered:

• How are alerts received from the Intruder Detection System and Home Security Cameras?
• How secure is your system to a cyber-attack?
• How will you communicate with other people in your home?
• How and what you will communicate with the police?

See Annex 3 for additional information on communications.

Top Tips

Using an experienced and accredited⁴ security company that can design and deliver a combined intruder alarm, home security cameras, and lighting into a single package is likely to provide significant benefits, such as performance, resilience, cyber security, training and ongoing support and servicing. Perhaps most important of all, is reliability; a good supplier will seek to provide a reliable and secure system that is monitored and connected and, when necessary, faults are quickly rectified. This level of assurance is important if your safety is dependent on the security system functioning correctly.

Whilst professionally installed systems are preferred, the next best approach would be to have a professionally installed home alarm, supplemented by a DIY smart camera system, following the advice contained in the annexes. 

When set up and used correctly, Home Security Systems can provide you and other occupants with vital information that can keep you safe. However, they are only effective if you make certain:

• The system is set when required.
• The system, including any personal attack alarms, is tested regularly. This should include checking cameras to ensure they aren’t obscured by vegetation.
• You check alerts:
  • Before returning home.
  • Before leaving home.
  • For any unusual activity when notified by the system.
  • It is important to remember that as improvements and enhancements are made, that these changes should not be made in isolation. They should be considered as part of the overall approach to security. Information about other measures can be found at NPSA Protect Your Home.

⁴ Accredited companies can be found through both the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) or the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB).

Annex 1

1. Basic introduction to Intruder Alarm Systems

In conventional terms, an intruder alarm system (IAS), also known as a home or burglar alarm, is designed to detect and then warn that an intruder has entered the home (Zone 3). They can also include Personal Attack Alarms (also known as  panic alarms or hold up alarms (HUA)), where an individual can quickly and deliberately trigger the alarm at the press of a carefully placed button. 

For a Personal Attack Alarm alert to be sent to the police it will require a secondary confirmation, which may be via a call-back, or sequential video or audio. The means of alerting the police should depend on the likely attack types and be agreed with  the installers.

1.1 Types of systems

The main considerations are in relation to:

• Type of alarm.
• Grade of alarm.

Type of alarm:

There are a wide range of different types of Home Alarm Systems on the market, but for high-risk individuals, it is useful to split them into two categories:

• An alarm system that complies with a police scheme that qualifies for an immediate police response. This is known as a Type A (compliant) alarm under the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) policy on alarm systems.
• Systems that are non-compliant. Consequently, police will not respond to these alarms unless a person is physically located at the home with information that an offence has taken place. Examples of non-compliant systems include:
  • Some professionally installed systems (either because the system does not meet the standard, the installer does not meet the requirements, or the services provided by the alarm company do not comply).
  • Systems monitored by a non-compliant Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).
  • DIY systems, including, for example, some smart alarm systems.

Both the police and NPSA only recommend the installation of Type A alarms. For high-risk individuals, non-compliant systems are not recommended because, ultimately, you require both a reliable system and a quick emergency response.

Grade of alarm:

The NPCC requirements for the response to security systems (www. policesecuritysystems.com) include a wide range of British Standards for the installation, maintenance and monitoring of security systems which apply to both domestic and commercial properties. Systems are graded from 1 to 4, where: 

• Grade 1 provides the lowest level of protection (this would not qualify for a police response).  
• Grade 2 is suitable for higher risk homes and lower risk commercial premises.
• Grade 3 is suitable for high-risk homes and most commercial premises.
• Grade 4 is the highest level and is used  at critical sites requiring the highest levels of security. 

For high-risk individuals, the police recommend a Grade 3 alarm system, but accept that this can be costly. 

In most situations, a Grade 2 alarm will provide a good balance between cost, security and resilience.

1.2 Alarm components

Alarm control panel – The brains of the system that receives messages to arm and disarm the system and respond to signals from the sensors.

Keypad – Easily accessible to users to enable them to arm and disarm the alarm and receive messages from the  control panel. 

Detectors – To detect the movement of intruders, changes in temperature, breaking glass and vibration.  

Door and window contacts – To detect the opening of a door or window, likely to  be external doors only. 

Fobs – As a high-risk Individual, the use of alarm setting fobs is not recommended due to the additional cyber and digital risks you are likely to be exposed to. To avoid accidental or false alarms, it is standard practice for systems to have a means of ‘confirming’ the activation – this could be via another detector being activated (often called ‘double knock’) or using audio or visual devices that are monitored by a third party. Repeated accidental or false activations will erode your and others’ confidence in the system, negating its usefulness, resulting in it being ignored, or potentially leading to the police withdrawing an automated response. It is, therefore, essential that you install a high-performing system.

1.3 Operating mode

• ‘Away’ – all detectors are active, including those that detect movement within the property. This is used when you are away from the property and provides the most amount of protection.
• ‘Home (night)’ – only certain sensors on the perimeter and/or lower levels of the property are active. This is used when you are in the property (for example at night) to provide warning of people attempting to break into your property.

As the system is being designed, consideration should be given to how your home is used. This should include if your pets move about your home, how your home is used throughout the day and how the alarm can then be configured to support this.  

Once an intrusion has been detected, and depending on the type of alarm system, it will communicate the activation. To whom it communicates is important. If a keyholder is used, they must be briefed as to what is expected of them.

1.4 Operating requirements

The requirements will depend on your premises, level of risk and likely attack types. High-level requirements may include:

• Detecting any person forcing entry or attempting entry to your home through a door or window (Zone 3).
• Providing a capability at key points within your home.
• Passing immediate alerts to keyholders and/or an ARC.

1.5 Top Tips for those at high-risk

Do:

• Use an alarm installer who is affiliated to either: National Security Inspectorate (NSI) or the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB).
• Tell the provider that you have a concern for the physical safety of those in your home and you require the system to be optimised for that requirement.
• Request a National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) Type A (compliant) system that may result in police attendance.
• Ensure the system includes a Personal Attack Alarm capability. Discuss with the installer where the panic buttons should be located; this should include in the Safer Area, on the route to it and in other areas where you spend most of your time, e.g. your bedroom, kitchen and other key living areas. The control panel should not be installed in an area that will make you vulnerable to attack or where you can be seen by the attacker, e.g. in the immediate vicinity of a front door fitted  with a vision panel.  
• Discuss with the supplier how and whether the system can be automatically linked to Active Delay Systems such as security fog⁵.
• Install a sounder that alerts others in the near vicinity if the alarm is activated. This will alert others and exert an element of pressure on any aggressor.
• Talk to the installer about the resilience of the system – consider the installation of an uninterrupted Power Supply (e.g. at least 12 hour backup).
• Where possible, people who live with you must learn how to use the system. People will be worried about setting their alarm properly until they know how to do it.
• Always set the system when the property is empty or at night. You should discuss with others living with you the implications of not doing this properly.
• Ensure that the alarm is regularly serviced. An annual service is a requirement of a police response, which also requires a six-monthly check that signals are being passed to the monitoring centre.

Best to avoid:

• Installing a DIY system. Designing a Home Security System requires specialist skills, and you will need a system that is high-performing and reliable, as well as one that connects to the police.
• Installing a professional alarm that does not meet the criteria in this Annex, as these will not connect to the police.
• Alarms that are armed and disarmed with some form of remote control, fob or app. The use of a pin code on a keypad or biometrics are recommended.

⁵ Which complies to BS 50131-8.

Annex 2

2. Basic introduction to Home Security Camera Systems

Security cameras play an important role in protecting you and your family from harm by alerting you to activity in monitored areas and giving you vital information so you can decide what to do. Doing this remotely allows you to be physically separated from a potential threat. 

The advancements in smart camera technology and smart phones over the last few years have resulted in a significant change to how security cameras are used in the domestic environment. It is relatively straightforward to set up cameras to detect people, vehicles or even parcels in a defined area and send alerts to a device such as  your smartphone when activity is detected  in the defined area.  

Cameras will also play a key part in any subsequent investigation, when images can be used for evidential purposes in  any investigation. 

2.1 Smart cameras

For the purposes of this guidance, a smart camera in the context of residential security is a type of camera that connects to your home Wi-Fi and can be controlled and monitored via a smartphone app or other smart devices. Smart cameras have two main components:

• The standard camera capability, able to capture images. The quality of which will vary depending on the specification of the camera. This will include:
  • The field of view.
  • Colour.
  • Night vision and infra-red capabilities.
• The smart components which will allow for functionality such as:
  • Motion detection in selected areas.
  • Two-way use of audio.
  • Sound a siren.
  • Enable integration with other domestic systems such as the intruder alarm or the lighting.
  • Record events for later investigation.

They may be used as:

• A domestic Home Security Camera System.
• A doorbell camera.

These systems can vary in sophistication and cost. A simple camera, suitable for deploying at home and operating on the home Wi-Fi, is likely to be affordable to most. However, a more complex home security camera system with multiple cameras that includes additional functionality is likely to be more expensive and need technical expertise to install.  

It is essential that the system is configured to reliably detect the movement of people  into the monitored area without generating multiple false alarms or overwhelming the user with excessive alerts that are subsequently ignored. 

Providing cameras are placed outside the premises, the use of camera apps that allow you to receive alerts of movement detected  by the camera and then view the captured images is considered an acceptable risk. The benefit of providing improved situational awareness of the area outside your home is likely to outweigh the cyber and digital risk of using the app on a smartphone.

2.2 Closed network

An alternative to smart cameras is to use security cameras on a closed network that is not connected to the internet. This option does not generally permit remote alerting and viewing; instead, the user will have to use a stand-alone monitor to view the video feed. Whilst this may be considered the most cyber secure (if installed and maintained correctly), it severely limits the usefulness of the system – in essence, it prioritises the information security of the system over the ability to be aware of a possible imminent physical threat. 

2.3 Deployment of cameras

Camera coverage should include where you are most vulnerable, such as access points (i.e. areas where it is easy to access your property), driveways and external doors. Ideally, it should include the boundaries of the property (see the introduction for information about zones). 

Cameras other than smart doorbells should be placed sufficiently high that they can’t easily be tampered with. Note: any tampering with a camera should be regarded as suspicious and the activity prior to tampering should be recorded.  

Cameras are likely to be most effective in detecting threats if they are placed outside your property. The risk of placing them inside the property is that they may be used to capture confidential information about you, your family and your business. 

Consideration should also be given as to how trees and other vegetation may impede the coverage and motion detection performance, depending on the season of the year.

The table further down provides further practical information on the deployment of cameras. When selecting what type of camera to use, you will need to consider things like field of view and resolution.

2.4 Capture and storage of images

Images on smart cameras may be stored in the following ways:

• Micro SD card on the camera.
• On a local hard drive storage device.
• Cloud storage services.
• Hybrid solution using a combination of local and cloud.

These options should be carefully considered, understanding the advantages offered by each type of system. The supplier should help you determine the most appropriate solution. Steps can be taken to mitigate the risk of using a cloud-based system by:

• Installing regular security updates.
• Choosing reputable and reliable suppliers who continuously invest and update their products.
• Ensuring there is limited access to cloud storage systems, such as by using two-factor authentication (2FA) and strong passwords.
• Not placing cameras (particularly those with audio recording) in areas which would invade your privacy (it must be assumed that the system may be attacked at some point), including in bedrooms, kitchen/lounge, study/office.
• Ensuring you receive a notification of any changes in the system settings or suspicious activity within the system.

2.5 Operating requirements

The requirements will depend on your premises, level of risk and likely attack types. High-level requirements may include:

• Detecting a person loitering outside of or entering the grounds of your property (Zone 1-2).
• Detecting and identify a person attempting to enter your property.
• Identifying a package/parcel/object deposited by your door.
• Capturing and reading a vehicle registration number of any vehicle being driven onto your property.
• Detecting a person near your vehicle (e.g. tampering with the vehicle).
• That it should work in all lighting conditions, both day and night.
• That it should pass alerts in real time via a smartphone app.
• That it should operate on a secure and resilient network.

When setup and used correctly, smart cameras can provide you and other occupants with vital information that can keep you safe, however, they are only effective if you are disciplined and check alerts:

• Before returning home.
• Before leaving home.
• For any unusual activity when notified by the system.

2.6 Top Tips for high-risk individuals

Do: 

• Use smart cameras that allow you to define detection zones and detect people within those zones.
• Install a system that can notify you of activity, allowing you to review footage remotely and to identify and respond to a threat.
• Consider the benefits offered by remote viewing and mitigate the associated risks.
• Learn how to use the system effectively and ensure detection zones and detection sensitivity are performing as intended. If the system is constantly set off by events that are of no concern to you, it is an indication that it is not properly set up.
• Choose a system that has robust cybersecurity measures and is from a reputable supplier. If you are using DIY smart cameras, see NCSC guidance.
• Ensure your devices, accounts and home network (e.g. router) are secure - see the following guidance from NPSA and NCSC.
• Locate cameras only in locations where, if they were cyber-comprised, the impact would be limited (i.e. don’t place them in areas where privacy is critical, considering audio as well as visual).
• If you have a Safer Area, it is recommended you have a dedicated viewing device located in that area, fully charged, with mains power. The device should be on, and the software should be regularly updated and checked. All those who live with you should be able to access the device and know how to use it. This means that, should something of concern happen outside, occupants can retreat to the Safer Area and resolve any concerns from there.
• Choose between a DIY system and a professional install. Whilst professional installs will undoubtedly cost more, you are much more likely to end up with a system that gives you functionality - is resilient, reliable and maintained. In addition, they are likely to better understand the cyber / supply chain issues. Discuss these with your supplier and understand where in the world your data is being stored.
• You need to be mindful of the privacy of others. Follow the guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office. However, if you have been informed of a physical threat to you by the police, do seek advice on this issue.
• Wired rather than wireless cameras (wired meaning they connect via a cable to your router/home network) are preferable as these are more resilient, secure and perform better. Wireless technology inevitably drops out from time to time. However, if you lose multiple cameras in one go (or are repeatedly losing cameras), you should treat the situation as suspicious and act with caution.

Best to avoid:

• Installing cameras from unknown brands or those that are no longer supported.
• Suppliers where there are security concerns regarding the technology or how data is processed. Conduct research before purchasing.
• Cameras that store data on the camera itself or via a card inserted into the camera.

Location	Purpose	Level of detail ideally required
Front door (smart doorbell)	Detect person approaching door.  Engage/communicate with person at door without having to open the door.  Note: viewing of door camera footage at a location well away from front door is strongly recommended.	Route and behaviour of individual approaching door -what are they doing, what are they holding/carrying.  Clearly see their face.  Good colour rendition – skin/hair colour and clothing.
Front door (additional coverage)	Identify packages left  on the doorstep or hung on door handles, etc.  Detect person entering the property through door.	General overview of doorstep and front of door, with capability to zoom to get further detail.
All other external doors to property	Detect person(s) in the vicinity of door and/or entered the property.	Route and behaviour of individual approaching door - what are they doing, what are they holding/carrying.
Point of entry onto the property	Detect a person entering the threshold of the property. If possible: Suspicious activity immediately outside of the property.	Route and behaviour of individual(s) approaching the property. Ability to zoom to capture face and items being carried.
Drive/parked vehicles	Detect any tampering with vehicles parked at the property.  Detect anyone hiding in or around vehicle.	Identify the approach to the vehicle and activity around the vehicle.
Front/rear of property interface (e.g. alley/side gate)	Detect breach of enclosed/more secure area/perimeter (demonstrates intent).	Identify activity only/general overview with further detail picked up by other cameras.
Property boundary	Ideal: high-level overview of general boundaries of property where it is possible to access (albeit less likely that the main entry points to property).	Identify activity only/general overview with further detail picked up by other cameras.

Annex 3

3. Communication Networks

It is important to ensure that the means of communication are effective and resilient. As a Home Security System is being designed and selected, the questions  listed below should be answered.  

3.1 How are alerts transmitted  from intruder alarm sensors or  a smart camera to the control panel or monitoring device? 

At a high level, there are three ways you can connect the components used within an alarm or camera system:

• Wired systems – all detectors and cameras are wired to the main control or monitoring panel.
• Wireless systems – all detectors are wirelessly connected to the control panel.
• Hybrid systems – uses a combination of wired and wireless detectors.

It is important you understand the pros and cons of each type of system when deciding on what is to be fitted. 

3.2 How are you informed that  an alert has been generated by the alarm control panel or the smart camera system? 

As described in Annex 1, section 1.1, an alert may be passed in a number of ways. This may simply be an audible sounder, an alert to an app or a message to an alarm monitoring centre, which will then inform you and the keyholders and, if the system is enabled, contact the police.

Alerts from the smart camera system may be passed directly to you via an app or may be passed to the alarm monitoring centre and used as part of the verification process for the intruder alarm system.

3.3 How do you inform other people in the building of the alert?

Identify how you will inform anyone else in your home of any alerts received. This may include when you are not on the property but have received information that they need to respond to. Alternatively, it may be that you are in your home, and you need to warn other occupants of the need to take immediate action. This may be by sounding an audible alarm or telling them by either shouting at them or quickly finding them in the building and telling them what has happened and how they should respond.

It may also be necessary to rapidly warn other people who are imminently due to arrive at your home. In this case, it is important that they be warned of the potential danger. This is likely to be most effectively done by calling them on a mobile phone. The danger of sending an alert is that it may not be immediately picked up and acted upon. 

3.4 How resilient should your communications network be?

Consider using a router that has two independent modes of connecting to the outside world/internet. These are typically known as routers with ‘dual WAN’. For example: the primary WAN would be your existing ISP and the second could be a mobile/SIM connection. The second should be configured to switch over in the event of loss of the primary. Having a mobile/SIM will help maintain a connection in the event of a power failure. Many modern home routers have this functionality already, but few people are aware of the feature. 

3.5 How are the police informed, and what do they need to know?

If suspicious activity is detected or an attack has been identified, the police must be contacted immediately. If this has been done by the alarm monitoring centre, it is important that further information is also passed to the police by dialling 999. Mobile phones are preferable (rather than fixed landlines) as they provide more functionality and allow you freedom of movement. It is important to ensure you have sufficient signal coverage in and around your property and your battery is sufficiently charged. If you have a Safer Area, you should consider having a backup phone and charger in there, as it is possible in an emergency, you may be separated from  your phone, it suffers damage or is low on power (further information is available in the Safer Areas guidance). 

Remember, if you are in a situation where you are in imminent danger, call 999 as quickly as you can and once it is safe to do so. 

When you are Calling For Help, it is important to state you are a high-risk individual and explain why. Give them your location and state in short, simple language what has happened.