SmarT SecUriTy SySTemS
You Need One
By Robert Hessel
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 107
You usually don’t notice if something is missing if it was
never there. In your home, you may have furniture,
cookware, art, a TV, clothing and cleaning supplies. You
may even have a spare room that is ready for visiting
friends or relatives, and you may be thinking of transforming it
into a nursery one day. Everything seems to be there, but often
what is missing is a security system. You may believe that you
don’t need or want one, but think again.
You probably have overlooked a variety of circumstances that
should worry you. Since crime is everywhere, you shouldn’t ignore
it. You and your home need the protection that a security system
provides. Smart home security is proactive. By using advanced
technology to detect and respond to a wide range of threats and
issues, you head these problems off before they occur. A smart
security app allows you to disarm your system before you enter
so that you’ll never have to dash through the front door to turn
off a beeping panel. An app is better equipped to deter crime
since it cannot be deactivated by cutting a phone line and can
signal for help if your system is ever attacked. Add to this the
24-7 professional monitoring, which is included to assist you in
case of an emergency.
These advanced systems can control a range of connected devices
so that they all work together, controlled and programmed through
your home security app. Smart thermostats can integrate with a
system’s arming status so that they adjust your home’s temperature
while you are away. So when you leave the house and arm the
security system, your thermostat will back off a few degrees to
save you energy costs. When you arrive home, it can bring your
home temperature back to normal. It can even use your phone’s
location to let the system know when you’re on your way home.
If you’re hosting an out-of-town friend, or renting your home
short-term, smart home security can help arrivals and departures
go smoothly when you’re not present in person. A smart lock with
a push-button keypad enables guests to let themselves in with a
unique four-digit code that you create. To keep track of who’s
coming and going, your system can send you an alert when a
code is used. You can delete codes anytime, or set them to expire
in advance. You’ll never need a spare key again.
Packages left on your doorstep or porch are a tempting target
for theft. However, smart home security lets you have them safely
delivered into your home whether you’re there or not. When the
delivery person rings your video doorbell, you’ll be able to see and
talk to them on your phone. Once you verify their identity, you
can unlock your door (all from the same screen) and ask them to
leave the package inside. When they’re done, you can relock your
home to keep it safe.
There are many other uses for these systems. With a smart lock
app, an alert automatically reminds you that a door or window
has been left open or unlocked. The app features a “lock” button
on it, enabling you to lock up with a single tap on your phone. You
can even watch your pets with video monitoring of your home
through your smart security system.
The best part is that these systems can continuously be modified
to provide the services you need at the time. So think again what
a smart security system can do for you.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Robert Hessel at Source 1 Solutions can be contacted
at (727) 538-4114 or visit source1security.com.
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