How Home Security Works
Home security is simple: help keep bad guys out; call cops and homeowner if someone breaks in.
But don’t we deserve more?
Modern technology allows us to carry around our entire music collections on a device the size of a stick of gum. Many still think of home security systems as a keypad on the wall, a big gray box in the closet and an expensive noisemaker that goes off at the wrong time.
Next Generation Home Security
The good news is that finally, home security has caught up with 21st century technology. Next generation alarms systems are now available that use wireless technology and can be set up by homeowners in less than an hour. That means it’s do-it-yourself home security that you can install in about thirty minutes. In addition, it can provide much more than just intrusion detection. These days, it’s as much about home monitoring for environmental conditions as it is about home security.
It’s simple and empowering to add sensors that monitor for fire, carbon monoxide, flooding and extreme temperatures. You can even get creative by putting door and window sensors in areas that you normally wouldn’t associate with a security system, like medicine cabinets, gun safes and liquor cabinets. After all, intruders probably don’t want to mop the floor, but there might be little people around who need to stay out of the cleaning supplies.
Next-generation home security is about the peace of mind that comes with being able to see what’s going on in your home at any given moment.
Interactive Remote Alarm Features
Interactive features in today’s home security systems allow you to set preferences online and customize alerts for different sensors. For example, you can set up your system to e-mail you that the kids are home safely (if you set up a unique code for your children to use when they enter the house). Or if you are a dog owner, and are concerned about the dog walker and her fees, you can check on that too. Your yellow lab can’t tell you he was only out ten minutes, so simply give the dog walker a unique user code to arm/disarm the system when she leaves the house and comes back. Set it up so you get a text message every time this happens, and it’s as if you’re there.
You can also receive text messages or e-mails for everyday occurrences so you know when a spouse gets home from work or if someone enters a certain area of the house. These types of features are also perfect for vacation homes or to keep an eye on an elderly parent.
These interactive features also allow you to arm and disarm your system from nearly anywhere in the world. If, for example, you were lounging on the beach and suddenly remembered– Did activate my alarm system? All you need is an Internet connection on your phone or laptop to arm the system, protect your home and go back to relaxing. It’s even easier with new iPhone and Blackberry apps.
What's Possible with Home Security Video?
More people are using video monitoring, too. This works two ways: 15-second clips can be triggered when cameras sense motion and you can have the clip sent to you. Or you can remotely access video online at any time to see what’s going on in your home. All clips are automatically stored, and you have access to your the entire archive. Video monitoring helps you see your vacation home during the offseason, your pets during vacation and your family during the workday. You can even check on that contractor who insists he was there for four hours hanging drywall.
There’s no reason to settle for analog security in a digital world. Demand the very latest in home security technology and you will be safer and more informed.
