Do’s and Don’ts of a Remotely Accessible Home Security System

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Home security systems have become a necessity nowadays.  With crime rates rising, it is not hard to imagine why people are investing in these systems. To cater to these growing demands, various types of security systems have hit the market. You can now go for wired or wireless systems that include a multitude of sensors and detectors for protection against break-ins, fires, gas leaks and temperature variations, etc.

Another feature that technological advancement has added to home security systems is remote accessibility. The idea behind this is to give you control over the premises even when you are not around. Imagine being out and about but still having control over your home’s lights, locks, thermostat and other security equipment.  Many home automation systems include cameras installed in multiple locations to allow homeowners to check in on their home through real time video feed or camera still shots. They can even make it appear as if someone is at home by switching the TV on or playing particular pre-recorded sounds.

A remotely accessible system works through email, touch pad, personal computer or smart phone and allows you to take a peek into your home via cameras, open or close doors, lower or increase temperatures, etc. A lot of home security companies even have dedicated apps for the purpose of making monitoring easier for the users.

A home automation system gives you greater peace of mind and a stronger sense of security and comfort. This is due to the fact that even when you are not around, your security system could detect threats and alert the authorities on its own. Imagine knowing that in case of a fire or flood, the relevant authorities will be sent to your home in a timely manner, even if you are not accessible at the time.

How to Choose a Remotely Accessible Home Security System?

When choosing a home automation system, it is important to do research. Start off by reading online reviews and recommendations about the products and the company’s overall reputation. Talk to your friends, family and neighbors to get an idea of the sort of systems they are using in their homes. In addition, have a detailed discussion with the company personnel regarding the security needs of your house. Talk to them about the various technologies they have, and the sort of add-on gadgets these technologies will require.

This process of looking for a home automation system might get long and tiring, but will help you in making a worthwhile investment.

The Do’s and Don’ts of a Remotely Accessible Home Security System

Things to Do:

• Buy the latest home security system: Since technology is always advancing, homeowners would typically want to purchase equipment that is the most updated, to ensure that their security system remain relevant for a long period of time.
• Set your remotely accessible system on a schedule: Even with an automated home security system, you can’t keep a check on everything from outside your home. For instance, there will be days when you have a ‘strong feeling’ that you left the front door unlocked. On such days, you can simply remotely access your home and lock the door. But what about the days when you leave the door unlocked and completely forgot about it? For such instances, you would be better off putting your security system on a schedule. You can program your system to work on a pre-determined timetable and have the doors locked, lights turned on or off and certain temperatures set on a regular basis.
• Regularly perform maintenance checks on the security system: This is simply to ensure that you don’t end up in a situation where you are away for a while and can’t seem to access your home due to a system error. In case this happens, call your provider immediately and ask them for backup options (your system could be down because someone might have hacked into it, etc).

The Don’ts

• Do not install a remotely accessible security system without the assistance of a professional: Remotely accessible home security systems are slightly more complicated to install and operate than the regular security systems. Make sure you get a professional to help you install this system; otherwise you might end up ruining expensive gadgets, or installing the equipment all wrong.
• Don’t forget to add fire and water safety features: Make sure that your security system includes wireless smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, heat detectors and water detectors. In the event of a fire or water outbreak, the security system would alert the monitoring service.
• Do not forget to keep your phones, personal computers and touch pads charged: The entire purpose of a remotely accessible home security system would be lost if you do not keep your phone charged.
• Do not be dependent on the system: While this security system is designed to give you the peace of mind and comfort, you must still remain vigilant. Just because you have the option of locking your front door from a distant location, does not mean you should always leave it open when you walk out of the house. Let the technology work for you by being vigilant.

Adding the remote accessibility option to your security system will help you protect your home, family and valuable belongings. It will give you an added sense of security and greater peace of mind, so that you can travel freely, work long hours and be away from home for long periods of time.