You work hard all year and now it’s time to head off on summer holidays. Before you pack your bags, be sure you have the smart home solutions that will keep your property safe.
Here are our top tips for a worry-free holiday and a safe and secure home:
Don’t appear to be on vacation.
While you're away, it's essential to give the impression that your home is lived in. Hire someone to mow the lawn and ask a neighbor to collect your mail regularly. Use timers to turn lights on and off at specific times or use phone apps to control lighting remotely. Also be sure to illuminate the outside of your home with motion-activated or solar-powered lights. This will deter thieves from choosing your home as a target. Avoid posting your vacation plans on social networks.
Invest in a 24/7 monitored smart home security system.
A monitored smart home security system can ensure that, even though you are far away, your home will be protected. When your security system is connected to a professional monitoring centre, it will manage all types of alarms, from intrusion, fire, water, surveillance camera and more. You’ll be notified if there’s a breach of security and first responders, including your local police or fire fighters, will be dispatched if needed. Don’t forget to put up a lawn sign and window decals that show your home is professionally monitored 24/7.
Keep track of your home watchers.
A control panel that allows for remote access to your security system can make all the difference in the world when you’re on vacation. A control panel with a front-facing camera will even send you a photo when someone disarms the system from the control panel. It’s the perfect solution if you are having people check in on your home or pets, or if you are having work being done, while you’re away.
Watch over your home’s exterior.
Outdoor cameras also allow for remote access and integration with your security system. This way you can receive important notifications and access live video and clips at any time and almost anywhere you spend your vacation.
Benefit from keyless entry.
A smart door lock will allow you to give access to visitors or contractors remotely with the ability to disarm the security system directly from the door lock. And you won’t even need to hand out any keys!
Answer visitors remotely.
Thanks to a smart video doorbell, you can receive a notification to your smartphone or tablet when someone is at your door. No one need ever know you’re not at home with clear two-way communication. When you combine the video doorbell with a smart door lock, you can even receive a package from a trusted source when you’re not there.
Stay connected with an app.
With the GardaWorld Total Connect 2.0 mobile app, you can check out live feeds of your security cameras, arm or disarm your security system, receive video doorbell notifications, talk through your video doorbell or even unlock your front door for guests while you continue to enjoy your vacation.
Keep your home safe and dry.
When integrated into your smart security system, water leak detectors can sense even a small water leak in your home. Place detectors near your water heater, washing machine and dishwasher - wherever there is a chance that a burst pipe or faulty washer could cause expensive damages. When signalled by one of the water leak detectors, a water shutoff valve can react instantly to shut off the main line or water flow to specific pipes. As a preventative measure, you can also program your smart security system to close the valve when the system is armed in “Away” mode.
For more information on GardaWorld home security and the smart security equipment that fits your needs, compare our security system packages or call 1 833 GARDA 33 to speak with one of our friendly home security experts today.