Copyright SlashGear
Home security is a constant concern for people across the country and in just about any dwelling. Regardless of your living situation, improving the security of your home can be the difference between continuing on as normal or having to pick up the pieces after a burglary or trouble with something like a gas leak. Indeed, even as security features tend to focus on the threats that other individuals can pose to you and your home, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, and even tools like humidity sensors can be useful smart sensors to add to your living space to keep the environment safe and comfortable. Active threats to security from intruders remain the most visible issue that homeowners often look to mitigate. Fortunately, plenty of neat and useful smart gadgets can make a big difference in this regard, too. From security cameras that can track passersby and deter malfeasance to smart sensors that offer remote control over elements of your property, even when you're far away on vacation, these tools can change your security outlook. The security camera is the most visible element here, and it's often designed to be seen, giving rise to fake security cameras that essentially act like a human-specific version of a wooden owl or scarecrow. However, many other tools blend into the background of your home's smart systems or perimeter and offer expanded defensive coverage to protect your home and belongings. Here are five examples. Vibration sensors are an important security solution that can alert you to a break in attempt through your home's windows. These tools are generally small attachments that fit into corners on or near a window. Many introduce smart integrations that alert your phone to ping if vibration (or a shattering) is detected. That means you can effectively monitor your home even while you're away on vacation or out for the evening with friends. These sensors typically also include a high-pitched alarm that chimes if vibration is detected. While they aren't a deterrent measure that potential burglars will notice right away, if someone does break a window in an attempt to access your home, the security alarm can short-circuit their plans. Security systems do help to deter crime, and studies suggest that around 60% of burglars would avoid a home with a security system. Fortunately, with a few smart integrations in your home like vibration sensors you can mimic an actively managed system even if you don't want to pay for the service. This is also a solid option for renters who may not be able to make the alterations necessary to install a full scale security system. Lights on in a home generally indicate activity in the living space. An easy way to deter criminal activity is to mimic the habits you maintain in the home with the help of smart installations. Burglary is a crime of opportunity, but it frequently comes after a surveillance period. Would-be criminals need to be fairly confident that you won't walk in on them as they pilfer your home. It's not possible to completely blanket yourself from prying eyes but you do have options. Utilizing a collection of smart plugs and connected smart light bulbs allows you to set a schedule that will turn on and off selected lights at key times during the day. Many tools in this realm work with connected apps that allow you to monitor and manage activity remotely. Turning them on yourself or setting a schedule can be enough to make burglars scoping out your home simply move on to the next property. This solution might not be enough to completely deter criminal behavior all on its own, but it's certainly a big help and can also provide a means to limit crossover issues with some of the energy vampires taking up residence in your home. Rather than just leaving porch and other interior lights on constantly, switching them on and off at selected times throughout the day delivers a more realistic usage pattern and can save you money on your electricity bill. A monitored security system involves numerous security features that can help make your home a gauntlet of noise in the event of an intrusion. It's difficult to think when an alarm is blasting you in the ears, and one important element that helps make this happen is the motion sensor. Many security systems feature motion-sensing equipment in the entryway or near back doors. This means that when an unwanted visitor makes entry into your home, even if they've managed to kill the alarm upon gaining access, the motion sensors inside your home will pick up on their presence. This inner system nails them with a secondary chime. You don't have to have a security system from one of the main industry players to introduce this feature. These tools are available in standalone devices, and when linked into your Wi-Fi network, a smart motion sensor can work with numerous other elements in your a la carte home security build. They can operate in concert with lights, cameras, and, of course, alarm sirens. Connecting your motion sensor to a camera lets you catch an intruder in the act and record the evidence. These tools also frequently offer integrated app connections that send push notifications to your phone if motion is detected, keeping you up to date on the security of your home wherever you might find yourself. Keyless smart locks are becoming a common installation on many homes. Rather than utilizing a standard entry solution, smart locks allow you to configure electronic access underpinned by whatever entry credentials suit your needs. They frequently allow for configuration with a code, RFID access, or even recorded fingerprint data for trusted individuals. More importantly, adding or revoking access can immediately be done. You don't have to chase someone down for a physical key or settle for changing the locks if you no longer want someone to be able to enter the home. This is a great option for landlords looking to maintain the security of a property as tenants come and go. These solutions are also great for large families who might all experience their own busy schedules. Providing access through each family member's phone or doling out NFC key fobs and extending credentials to friends and family members, when necessary, provides for consistent access to those who need it and temporary entry to others for streamlined security and home management. This also allows you to revoke credentials to a device that has been lost or stolen as well to maintain the integrity of the system. These tools can even be set on a schedule to automatically lock or unlock at certain times of the day, removing the need to remember to close up in the evening. This all brings us to security cameras. Cameras will always be an important part the security apparatus, be it in a residential setting or elsewhere. The typical security camera is designed with visibility in mind. You want to set your array of cameras in a position that allows for maximum coverage. Minimizing blind spots is always crucial, as is the use of tools that can capture video accurately in low-light conditions. It's not particularly helpful if your security camera catches the blur of a burglar entering your home at night but can't make out the specifics of the individual's face or clothing, for instance. However, it's worth noting that even if your cameras aren't set up in an ideal arrangement, they still provide a layer of security for your property. There's a reason why a variety of fake cameras exist in the general marketplace. Smart home cameras allow for app connectivity with motion-sensing capabilities. This allows you to check in on your home whenever the need arises and can deliver alerts when motion is detected to give you instant visual access to your home. Many also include microphones that allow you to yell at burglars or speak (kindly) to people like delivery drivers in order to direct them to a safe place to leave a package. Plenty of options also provide entirely wireless installation, just don't forget to charge it up from time to time.
