Home security is more important than ever. Have you been searching for smart home gadgets? Check out these smart home hacks that will stop intruders in their tracks. When properly implemented, these devices can secure your home from burglaries, trespassers, and those pesky porch pirates.
1. Motion Detection Lights
Security cameras should be equipped with spotlights or floodlights to trigger via motion detection. Camera sensors are now smart enough to ignore cars and focus on people, among other useful tricks. Lights will let trespassers know that there’s a security system and indicate that a camera is recording them. Apps from popular smart home brands allow you to set zones and control motion sensitivity, so the security lights only turn on when a person gets close, instead of lighting up a dozen times a night.
2. Security System Yard Sign
You may have already suspected it, but studies confirm that burglars — around 83% surveyed — are scared off by signs that an alarm system is present, and one of the most straightforward is a yard sign or window sticker. Signs are included with common DIY security systems like those offered by SimpliSafe.
3. Video doorbell
It’s hard to miss a video doorbell when approaching the front door. Doorbell cameras make it obvious that someone’s watching. They are equipped with two-way audio features and quick replies that can hold brief conversations. If visitors recognize a video doorbell, they know it’s already sent alerts to the owner about front door activity. Video doorbells are an excellent way to discourage porch pirates or other troublemakers. It is also recommended to plan for video storage, so you can download or share video clips when necessary.
4. Sirens and Access Sensors
Many cameras and most home security kits also include sirens. You have the option to turn on sirens with the app or set the siren to sound off when certain kinds of motion are detected and the system is armed. It’s a quick addition you can activate during setup, even for the smallest cams like the Blink Mini 2. Access sensors send alerts so you can immediately look through live views from cameras, use two-way audio, sound off a siren or turn on a floodlight. If you’re worried about burglars breaching points like these, the top home security system kits include sensors for these reasons.
5. Vacation Modes
Smart security systems and home cams have additional features such as vacation modes and customizable away modes. These can be paired with smart lights and setting up an activity schedule that makes it look like people are home. Vacation modes will turn lights on and off to mimic people getting home in the evening, waking up in the morning and other everyday activities. This discourages thieves from looking for empty homes that make easy targets and give you extra peace of mind while away. These modes also pair with cameras that let view your home while away and access sensors that tell you when something went wrong.
6. Smart Locks and Garage Doors
Equip your garage door with a smart door system that can automatically close the door for you, secure it and remind you if the door is left open. These smart garage doors are frequently backward compatible with existing garages, especially newer models. Forgetting to lock the front door isn’t quite as noticeable as leaving the garage open, but it can still attract thieves. A smart lock is a simple way to monitor your main entry and make sure it’s always locked. Smart locks can auto-lock after a period of inactivity or send you reminders that they’re open. You can also give friends and family temporary passcodes.
7. Professional Home-Monitoring Service
Add professional home monitoring to your security system for the most complete protection. Professional monitoring allows agents to view their alerts and contact emergency responders if necessary. Monitoring plans don’t have to be expensive: Arlo’s Secure Premium plan offers full family monitoring services for $25 per month. SimpliSafe’s Fast Protect plan, which offers guides that look at cam live views and use audio to ask questions, for about $30 per month. Monitoring plans can take your home security to the next level.
8. Delivery Lock Box
A package lock box is a very simple, very effective addition to your home that shuts down porch piracy entirely. It works a lot like public package drop-offs, with one area where delivery people can drop in a package, and a holding area only accessible to the owner via key or keypad. Thieves can’t get inside at all. Advanced models like Loxx Boxx also give you app control, remote access and alerts about when you get a delivery. This could be the perfect deterrent if you have porch-pirate problems in your neighborhood and get packages frequently.
Final Thoughts
Smart home hacks significantly enhance your home security and deter intruders. Implementing smart home devices like video doorbells, motion-activated lights, smart locks, and creating the illusion of occupancy with smart timers and lighting, can provide that extra layer of protection to keep your family and belongings safe.