How to Reinforce Your Home Security

Last update February 15, 2019
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The modern home security systems can help you improve your safety greatly by combining the functionality of several devices used together. Most of them now can be manually controlled with your smartphone, computer or simply your voice. While the Internet-of-Things is on everyone’s lips, we’ve decided to make our own research on the smart gadgets that can help you protect yourself and your property.

Smart Locks

A smart lock is the kind of a security device you can freely use to upgrade and protect your smart home. Functionality-wise, not only can these locks alert you (or the police) of the prying attack, they will also allow you to assign as many virtual keys as needed to other people remotely, given that you’ve got the access to the Internet. Some of the locks allow users to set a certain period of time during which other people (relatives, friends, etc.) are allowed to enter your place. There are different installation types as well. There are locks that can be mounted right onto the existing deadbolt locks, and there are those that will require you to get rid of the old door lock. Speaking of the controls, most of the smart locks today offer excellent connectivity support allowing you to sync them with many different gadgets, services, apps and even thermostats.

Home Security Systems

Depending on the bundle, home security systems may include siren alarm speakers, motion sensors, motion-activated cameras, open door and window sensors, etc. The latest models support mobile control via phone’s app, while some of them even offer a full integration with smart house systems like Google Home or Apple HomeKit. Home security system prices usually start from a couple of hundred dollars. The installation of the system may require inviting a specialist. However, customers who are on a budget may also find multi-items kits with a frustration-free package that can easily be set up single-handedly. The important thing to note is that you may have to pay a monthly fee so that the company’s operator would call the police to your place in case of unauthorized entry. Alternatively, you may look for the models that will send messages on your phone, giving you an option to call the police yourself.

Surveillance Camera

Even in a good neighborhood, the packages get stolen from the front porch quite often. With an outdoor security camera, however, you can get still-shots of a suspect to show the police and have a hard evidence if something ever happens to your property. Obviously, the cameras for the outdoor use should feature weatherproof qualities. The IP55 or IP56 certification should be enough for most environments. A lot of models will require you to drill a hole through a wall or ceiling for setting them up and hooking up to a power supply and a video recorder or a commutator. You can find surveillance cameras with a Wi-Fi antenna, in which case the camera will save the video directly on your computer or upload it to the cloud storage, whatever you choose. Surveillance cameras with motion sensors will help you save some memory space, keeping unwanted guests away from your house. You will also need to check whether the camera's resolution is good enough for you and whether it supports night vision. Otherwise, you may be unpleasantly surprised with the image quality. Be ready, though, that some companies may ask you for a monthly fee to let you store the footage on the cloud.

Hidden Cameras

Although many state laws forbid the use of a hidden camera in the public areas, covert surveillance inside your house is pretty much legal. The good news is, there's a great choice of hidden cameras you can pick from. Most of the models available today have a very discreet design that should not attract attention of your visitors (both wanted and unwanted). Some cameras may look almost identical in apperance to other gadgets like a clock, a smoke detector, a thermostat. You're to choose! Once the camera is installed, you can set it to either capture the picture in real-time or record it to an SD card.

Smart Plugs and Lights With Motion Detectors

Surprisingly, smart plugs can help you not only save on the electricity bill but also deter burglars by turning the lights and radio on/off in accordance with a programmable schedule. That way, it would look as if someone’s always there at home. With Wi-Fi-enabled plugs, you will be able to control the lights with your smartphone from anywhere in the world with the Internet access.

Similarly, solar lamps with motion detectors can scare thieves and burglars from breaking in during the nighttime by shedding light on them.