What Happens to Your Security During a Colorado Power Outage or Snowstorm?
When the power goes out in Colorado, does your security system still work?
Colorado storms are unpredictable – heavy snow, high winds, and sudden power outages can leave homes and businesses wondering what still works and what doesn’t. And after recent outages across the state, this question is more common than ever.
Here’s how your security system actually holds up when the lights go out and what you should check before the next storm hits.
Power Outage vs. Internet Outage: They’re Not the Same
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that “if the Wi-Fi goes out, everything shuts down.”
Not necessarily.
If the power goes out:
- Hardwired cameras may shut down unless connected to battery backup.
- Access control hardware may behave differently depending on lock type.
- Intrusion panels rely on internal backup batteries.
- Routers and modems stop working unless on backup power.
If the internet goes out (but power stays on):
- Cameras may continue recording locally (depending on system type).
- Cellular-enabled alarm panels still communicate with monitoring.
- Cloud-based remote viewing may be temporarily unavailable.
This distinction matters. Modern systems especially those discussed in our blog on 2025 Alarm.com Updates: Impact on All Secure Clients are increasingly built with cellular redundancy to protect against internet interruptions.
What Happens to Cameras During an Outage?
If your cameras are fully hardwired with no battery backup, they will power down when electricity drops.
That’s why we recommend battery backup for:
- Camera systems
- Network video recorders (NVRs)
- Internet routers
- Access control panels
As we explained in Serious Power, No Plug Needed: Meet Alarm.com’s New V731B Battery Camera, newer battery-powered and solar-assisted cameras provide flexibility during outages — especially in remote or hard-to-wire locations.
Even one hour of direct sunlight can help maintain charge on compatible battery systems, a major advantage during extended outages.
Intrusion Systems: Why Battery Backup Matters
Most intrusion panels include an internal backup battery. This allows:
- Continued monitoring communication
- Siren activation if triggered
- Emergency signaling to authorities
According to the U.S. Department of Energy1, “Severe weather is the leading cause of power outages in the United States,” with storms responsible for the majority of large-scale disruptions.
Because outages are not rare in Colorado, intrusion battery backups aren’t optional, they’re essential.
How long do they last?
Typically:
- 4–24 hours depending on load and battery condition.
- Larger commercial panels may last longer.
How often should batteries be checked?
Realistically:
- Annually for commercial systems.
- Every 2–3 years minimum for residential.
- Immediately if system alerts indicate low battery.
As we covered in Smart Security & Budgeting for Colorado Businesses, preventative maintenance is far more affordable than reactive emergency service calls.
Access Control: Fail-Secure vs. Fail-Safe (Simple Explanation)
This is where storms create confusion.
Fail-Secure Locks (Electric Strikes, Electrified Hardware)
- Stay locked when power fails.
- The door remains secure.
- Preferred for most exterior commercial doors.
Fail-Safe Locks (Maglocks)
- Unlock when power fails.
- Designed for emergency egress compliance.
- Risky for exterior doors during outages.
Exterior maglocks can create vulnerability during power loss, which is why we rarely recommend them for primary exterior entrances. (We go deeper into this in Maglock Security Issues & Smarter Alternatives.)
Why You Still Need a Mechanical Key
Even in a fully digital world, you should always have:
- At least one mechanical override
- One accessible keyed entry
- A physical way to enter if electronics fail
During a prolonged outage, your system may function — but you still need guaranteed entry access.
Residential vs. Commercial: What’s Different?
Residential Systems
- Often rely on wireless intrusion panels with built-in battery backup.
- May use Wi-Fi cameras unless upgraded to cellular.
- Garage door integrations may stop responding if internet fails.
- Smart locks depend on battery health.
Commercial Systems
- More likely to use electric strikes or maglocks.
- Often rely on PoE camera networks.
- Require compliance for fire code and egress.
- Should undergo yearly security audits.
Commercial buildings should treat annual security reviews the same way they treat HVAC or fire inspections.
Why Yearly Security Audits Matter in Colorado
Colorado weather isn’t theoretical, it’s seasonal and expected.
Yearly audits ensure:
- Batteries aren’t expired.
- Locks function correctly during failover.
- Cellular backup is active.
- Exterior hardware is storm-rated.
- Backup runtime expectations are realistic.
As FEMA2 states, “Power outages can happen at any time and may last for days or weeks.”
Preparation is not overreacting, it’s responsible facility management.
Colorado Storms Are Unpredictable. Here’s the Bottom Line
When the lights go out:
- Intrusion systems usually stay active (if batteries are healthy).
- Cellular communication can still alert authorities.
- Cameras without backup may shut down.
- Fail-secure locks remain locked.
- Exterior maglocks may unlock.
- Mechanical overrides are critical.
Security that works in good weather isn’t enough.
It has to work in Colorado weather.
FAQ: Colorado Security During Power Outages
1. How long will my alarm system work during a power outage?
Most systems last between 4–24 hours on battery backup, depending on system size and battery health.
2. Do security cameras record during an outage?
Only if connected to battery backup or if they are battery-powered systems. Otherwise, they shut down when power drops.
3. Are maglocks safe during power outages?
Interior maglocks are fine. Exterior maglocks can unlock during power loss and may create risk if not properly designed.
4. How often should I replace my security system batteries?
Commercial: annually or per manufacturer recommendation.
Residential: every 2–3 years minimum, or immediately when alerted.
5. Should I schedule a security audit after major storms?
Yes. A yearly review ensures batteries, failover systems, and hardware are ready before the next outage hits.
If you’re unsure how your system would perform during the next Colorado snowstorm, we’re happy to walk you through it.
Because security shouldn’t fail when the weather does.
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