Homeowners Guide to Smart Home Security, Safety & Protection

Safeguard your home and get peace of mind with smart home solutions

A home security system can help you to feel safe and give you peace of mind. From basic standalone devices to advanced smart home technology, there are many options to consider. Whether you’re a new homeowner or looking to boost your current level of security, learn about smart devices that help safeguard you and your loved ones.

Easily Monitor Your Home with Mobile Devices

Smarter home security systems

Leaving your home unattended can make you feel uneasy. Whether you’re going to the office for the day or traveling to another country for a few weeks, a home security system can safeguard your home while you’re away. With the Internet of Things making it easier than ever to monitor and manage a range of smart home technologies, you can control indoor and outdoor security cameras, lighting, motion sensors and smart locks anytime from anywhere with an internet connection.

Smart security cameras

Security cameras powered by smart technology are your eyes at home when you’re away. When you’re on the go, take comfort knowing you can check in on your home and family. There are a variety of security cameras to choose from to suit your specific needs. First, it’s important to determine how yours will be used. Do you want to keep an eye on your kids or pets? An indoor camera may be the ideal option. Or, do you prefer to see what’s going on in your front or backyard? Installing an outdoor camera gives you visibility. No matter what kind of camera you want, here are some features worth considering:

Motion detection: This feature sends alerts whenever there is motion in a specific area. Some cameras will allow you to set motion boundaries from a few feet to more than 100 feet.
Source of power: Installation will vary depending on the power source. Battery-operated cameras are easy to set up and can be placed anywhere, however, you’ll have to frequently check and replace the batteries. You could also install your camera near an outlet using a power cord.
Night vision: Without night vision you won’t be able to tell what’s making noise in the dark. This feature helps you tell the difference between a pesky raccoon and an intruder.
Video quality: Many people prefer a camera with 1080p to get a sharp picture when streaming over wifi. Keep in mind that higher definition streaming could have an impact on your network performance. Experiment with the best settings for your network and equipment.
Cloud storage: Many services offer the option of continuous video recording (CVR) and adding a storage plan so that any motion detection instances are saved in the cloud.
App support: Smart security cameras allow you to monitor surveillance footage via your phone or computer by downloading an app. Some cameras will send you notifications whenever noise or motion is detected within a specific area.

Window alarms and motion sensors

Securing your home’s main points of entry is crucial for having peace of mind and keeping your family and home safe. While locks create a good barrier, motion, window and door sensors offer an advanced level of security. Ideally, you’ll want to purchase a sensor for every door and window. That way, an alarm is triggered if an entry point is compromised. There are many types of sensors to choose from. To find one that best fits your needs, take the following into account:

Wired or battery operated: Some window sensors run wirelessly on batteries, while others can be wired directly into your alarm system.
Installation: Installing a wired sensor may take more time and effort, however, you won’t have to worry about frequently checking the power like with a battery-operated sensor.
Magnetic field vs light beam: Sensors can detect an intrusion in two different ways. Some use magnets to trigger an alarm if the magnetic field is broken. The alternative uses a light beam. If the light field is breached or turned off, an alarm will be activated.

Smart Lighting

Smart light bulbs make it simple to bring your home to life (whether you’re there or not). Turn them on, dim the room or automate lighting schedules from anywhere. Some of these systems can even be controlled with smart TV or cable remote controls, but additional devices and service subscriptions may be required.

Securing entries with smart door locks

When you’re miles away from home, the last thing you want to question is whether you remembered to lock the door. Smart locks offer remote control, so you can lock up from virtually anywhere with a wifi connection. Moreover, you’ll never have to worry about misplacing your keys again. When installing smart locks in your home, remember to:

Set up auto-lock: Smart locks are paired with apps that let you adjust settings such as auto-lock and unlock. You can set your preferences so that your doors automatically lock after a certain time. Some smart locks can also sync with your phone and in-home sensors to automatically lock when you leave.
Allow for guest access: Use your smart locks app to give limited or full access to any guests you are expecting. This may include a cleaning service, babysitter or neighbor. You can assign unique passcodes to each guest and limit access to specific times and days. For example, the pet sitter can enter Monday through Friday between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. only.
Turn-on notifications: Typically, notifications are switched on automatically when you install your smart lock’s app, but you’ll want to double check before leaving home. Notifications alert you any time your door is locked or unlocked.
With these smart home solutions, you’ll never second guess whether your home and family are safe. Protect your loved ones from intruders and discover the peace of mind that comes with smart home security.

Learn how you can get a smarter, safer home with Cox Homelife Smart Home & Security

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Get a smarter, more convenient home with Cox Homelife

Smart home technology is making it easier to stay safe at home.

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