As the size of the population grows, and more and more people are living crammed together in smaller and smaller spaces, home security is becoming a much more pressing concern.
Luckily, technology has improved at such a rapid rate that there are now highly advanced smart security gadgets available to provide the security you need for complete peace of mind. Here are five of our favorites:
1. Amazon Alexa
The premier all-in-one home security solution, without a doubt, is Amazon Alexa. Many people are now comfortable using voice commands while operating their smart devices, but what’s much less common is people using Amazon Alexa as part of an integrated security system.
Users of the Honeywell Security System are in for a treat. With the Total Connect 2.0 Skill for Amazon Alexa, homeowners can now arm and disarm their home alarm systems, check the security status of different zones in their homes, or view the camera feeds from the different zones – simply by speaking to Alexa!
2. Smart Doorbells
Any old doorbell will work if all you want is a way of being alerted when there’s someone at the door. However, if you want to hit two birds with one stone, you can add a video feed to your doorbell so you can see whoever is ringing. That way, if the person at your door looks in any way suspicious, you can decide not to open it.
Most smart doorbells these days offer you the option of viewing the doorbell camera feed remotely on your smart devices. With some models of smart doorbells, you can even talk to the person at the door at the same time as viewing the video.
3. Smart Locks
Most people feel reasonably comfortable about the security of their home when they go out, as long as they’ve locked all the doors. However, the reality is that traditional (mechanical) locks are ridiculously easy to open with just a few simple tools.
Smart locks, on the other hand, are electronically locked or unlocked with a key fob, in much the same way that car alarms and garage doors are activated. Some can even be activated through your cell phone, which could be even more convenient.
4. Smart Lighting Systems
After dark, any house with no lights on the inside stands out from the other homes. Burglars assume that no one is home. Even if someone is home, the lack of illumination makes it easier for a burglar to enter the home undetected. That’s why, if you’re going to be away, you’d do well to install an automated lighting system that switches lights on and off at preset times.
Motion-sensing lights for the outside are also a great idea. Almost any burglar would be likely to look for an easier target after he’s illuminated by a bright spotlight in your yard.
5. Smart Security Cameras
In the old days, much of the value of security cameras lay in their deterrent value. A would-be criminal who approached your house and spotted an unavoidable security camera might think twice about choosing a different target to burglarize.
Today, state-of-the-art security cameras can’t only provide essential evidence for helping to convict burglars, but they can also show you in real time what’s going on at your home. Most security cameras automatically send live video feed to your smartphone or other devices, so you can always keep an eye on everything going on at your house.
Final Word
Perhaps you think you’re highly security-conscious already, or you think you live in such a safe area that crime will never affect you. Although everybody understands that crime is on the rise, it’s human nature to think, “those things will never happen to me.” However, when it comes to your personal home security, it’s always better to be on the safe side and protect yourself by taking some of these simple precautions.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
