Summer is vacation season. It is the perfect time for that epic road trip or the week-long cruise you have always dreamed of. But summer is also the season for home burglary and other property crimes. When homeowners are away, criminals tend to play. But if you have a smart home, you have a big advantage.
Did you know that certain smart home features can actually make your home safer while you are on vacation? Some of those features will be discussed below. If your system isn’t equipped with them, you could always upgrade your devices accordingly. Doing so might be worth the extra money if it prevents someone from breaking in and robbing you blind – which would totally ruin your dream vacation.
1. Audio-Video Deterrence Mode
One of my favorite ventures in modern home security is audio/video deterrence mode. Vivint Home Security offers it with some of their systems. They call it Smart Deter. The way it works is pretty ingenious.
Utilizing a variety of sensors, a homeowner’s security system can monitor for people approaching the home. If an approach is detected, it utilizes a combination of bright lights and audible sounds to warn the individual that they have been detected. I can only imagine the impact that would have on a terrified burglar who turns tail and runs.
This feature obviously is not available with entry level home security systems. If you want it, you will likely have to pay for a top-of-the-line DIY system or a professionally installed system from a company like Vivint.
2. Occupancy Lighting
Occupancy lighting is automated lighting with an extra benefit: it is programmed to mimic random lighting patterns that would make it appear as though someone is at home even when a house is vacant. It is a step above statically programmed lighting that could be predictable to a burglar who scopes out properties before picking his targets. With occupancy lighting, you get a combination of predictable and random lighting patterns more likely to confuse burglars.
If your system is not equipped with occupancy lighting, it is still possible to create an effective automation that fools burglars. You would probably have to spend a considerable amount of time programming the system, but you could break the days you’re away on vacation and create different lighting for each one.
3. Smart Video Surveillance
Video cameras are already an excellent deterrence to property crimes. But smart cameras are even better. Smart cameras can be accessed remotely for the purposes of changing angle, scope, and sensitivity. Some models include onboard audio for communicating with visitors.
My personal favorites are those that are able to distinguish between faces. They can be programmed to send an alert when an unrecognized face is detected. Likewise, the cameras will not activate when they detect a recognized face.
4. Smart Access
While you’re away, it is always a good idea to have a friend or neighbor check on your home every few days. You can provide access with a smart lock. That way, whoever’s looking after things can take in your mail so that the post office doesn’t know you’re not home. That person can also move cars around in the driveway and even put out your trash. All the things you normally do are taken care of by a neighbor or friend who has access to your home.
Smart homes are more efficient and comfortable homes. They can also be safer if you leverage the right technology and features. Learning how to make a smart home safer is well worth the time and effort when you consider the alternative.
