We all want peace of mind when we think about our home. In the past, “security” at home meant having an alarm system installed. Today, there is an ever-expanding array of connected devices that we have access to. These devices allow us to track what’s going on in our homes in real time and can help prevent incidents or notify us as they happen.
Below are six technologies to give you greater peace of mind, when you’re at home or away from home:
1. Modern alarm system
Today’s alarm systems can send notifications to your phone, through a mobile app, if a door or window is opened or if motion is detected. This way, you can know quickly if something has happened at home while you’re away and you can alert the authorities, if necessary. It is an even better idea to connect your alarm system to a central security station, which will help the authorities to react, if necessary, if you are unavailable.
Some alarm systems can also be linked to a home automation system, connected devices such as cameras, smoke and CO2 detectors and more.
2. Smoke and CO2 detectors
We can’t say it enough, smoke and carbon dioxide detectors can save lives. Some smoke and CO2 detectors can even connect to your home network. These devices will notify you directly on your phone or tablet before performing a test, or if they actually detect smoke or carbon dioxide. There are also detectors that can tell you by a vocal recording what the alert is, which may help you react accordingly.
You can find more info about smoke and CO2 detectors here.
3. Security cameras
What better way to monitor what’s going on in your home, inside and out, than with a security camera? Or better yet, a complete set of security cameras to cover every corner!
Connect them with your home’s internet system and, through an app for your Android or iOS phone, you can be notified whenever motion is detected. Many systems will allow you to take a look into your home, even when there are no events logged, to make sure everything is going well.
Just received an alert from your connected smoke detector? A well-placed camera inside your home could allow you to see what is happening.
Some cameras even allow you to talk through a built-in speaker and microphone. Other camera options offer facial recognition, so you can tell if it’s someone you know or not, even before you activate the video feed on your phone or tablet. This is also helpful to avoid getting unnecessary alerts, when it’s a trusted friend or family member coming to visit.
Remember that there are guidelines to follow, when installing cameras around your home.
Read more:
- Home Security Systems Can Protect You from More than Theft
- Future Forward: Is Your Home Smart Enough to Make the Grade?
- Does Your Home Insurance Cover Flooding?
4. Smart doorbell
A smart doorbell not only allows you to see who is ringing your front doorbell, but also to talk to them. That way, if it’s a delivery person or someone you know, you can give them instructions.
5. Water detector
This is a very simple device: a small box with a corded sensor that you place near your home’s backflow valve, laundry machine or hot water tank. The box is wirelessly connected to your home network and notifies you immediately when a problem occurs and water is accumulating, saving you precious time in the event of a water leak.
6. Smart lock
A smart lock allows you to lock or unlock your front door remotely. Combine it with a camera or a smart doorbell, and you can confirm who is at your door and open it for them, whether you are home or not.
In addition, the mobile app that controls the lock keeps a log of events, which means you can see when the door was unlocked, if it was done manually or by the app, and for how long. You can even give access (temporary or permanent) to a friend or family member, allowing them to unlock the door without using a traditional key.
Some locks even allow the use of an RFID tag or band, so the door will unlock as someone with the authorized device approaches. The RFID technology relies on a small chip that can record and store data, such as a serial number or, in this case, a code that plays the role of a digital key. The tag can then be hidden inside a wristband, for example, and placed near the smartlock to unlock it. This can be a convenient option for children coming home from school early.
Technology as your ally
There are many options to choose from. It’s up to you to assess your needs and determine which system is right for you.
Did you know that there are home insurance discounts available for houses with certain alarm systems? Ask your Allstate representative for more information.
Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as providing legal or insurance advice. Always follow local laws and public health and safety measures and restrictions.