The journey is synonymous with the holidays and, unfortunately, so are the stealing packages and stealing packages. However, you can fight back and keep your home protected using smart accessories and alarm systems. There are devices for just about every situation that can occur as you go away, so here are our tips on how to secure your vacation home.

Keep the lights on

Just because you are away from your home, does not mean that you have to look like no one is around. The easiest way to discourage intruders is to make your home look like it does every day, using smart lighting.

Most smart home lighting products, such as bulbs, switches, and smart plugs, have the ability to program when they start and stop, either at specific times or depending on the time of day, such as sunset. . Typically, this can be configured through an application, making programming only a few clicks and slips.

Use this skill to your advantage by creating programs that follow your regular routine at home, such as the light in the morning and evening. You can take things further, using randomization options with your appointments, which turn on the lights a few minutes before or after designated times, just to mix things up a little if someone respects the patterns at home.

For the outdoors, you can combine smart lighting with motion sensors to shine a light on those who walk around the property. These sensors can also send notifications to all your devices, creating a situation where you can leave the lights off, but still be aware of the action from the outside.

In addition to using smart plug lighting, you can also use these small handy accessories with other electronics such as TVs and radios. Programming the TV to start at random times during the day not only produces the sounds of conversations and sounds that others can hear around your home, but also makes your home look alive at night from the outside.

Obviously, a radio or loudspeaker gives those who hang around your house a feeling that someone is blocking the tunes inside. Even on holidays, you can make your house sound like a traditional family reunion or party with a few pieces of choice.

We were all there at some point during our travels, at that moment when you start to wonder if you locked the doors or not. Fortunately, smart home technology has covered us, with accessories that not only can report the state of your home, but also give you the ability to control them from afar.

Consider installing a smart door lock at the entrance you use most often before you travel. While it may seem a little daunting at first, installing a smart door lock is actually very simple, requiring only a little screwdriver and patience. Most locks are universal, either completely replacing your existing lock, or working in tandem with all electronic components inside.

As with your doors, your garage door is also one of those things that can leave you wondering if you really closed it before you left. Smart garage door openers and controllers are the best way to give you a little peace of mind while traveling and are surprisingly accessible.

If you're already in the market for a new garage door opener, take a look at options that are connected to Wi-Fi connectivity. These models cost only a few dollars more, and having an all-in-one solution keeps things simpler and easier to manage. The only disadvantage is that they may be outside your area of ​​expertise when it comes to installation, requiring a call to a professional.

Don't want to replace the existing garage door opener? Then an additional control kit is the best option for you. These kits usually consist of a small tilt sensor, which attaches directly to the garage door through a mounting tape or screw and communicates with a hub inside your home that sends signals to the opener.

For added security, some garage doors have a deadbolt-style manual lock that can prevent the door from opening even if someone manages to guess the keypad code or mimic the signal of your remote controls. If you don't have one of these locks, but still want to make sure someone doesn't crack your code, you can use a smart connector to turn off the power from the opener until you get home.

Home security cameras are one of the largest categories of smart home devices, for good reason. These wonderful little accessories can keep us constantly aware of the activity of our house. While privacy is definitely important, placing one of these in your living room while traveling is an easy way to keep tabs on your home and gives local authorities something to talk about in the event of a interruption. Smart cameras have certainly lowered the price, and if you are just using them outside the home, they are certainly worth considering.

Outdoor security cameras are where you may want a bit to get an accessory that will provide everything you are looking for, as they will not be viewed inside your home. Find a room that has video recordings of at least 720p, night vision and two-way audio, to cover all the basics. The specifications for the images are quite explanatory, and the 2-way audio feature can help eliminate the invaders, just by letting them know you are following them.

Video bells also work as well as security cameras, with the added benefit of tracking any deliveries that may occur when you leave. The two-way audio features work just as well as the cameras, serving as a warning if you notice someone coming home.

The classic security alarm system is still one of the easiest ways to secure your home, and the advancements of smart home technology give you the best of both worlds. Connected alarm systems can work in two different ways, with professional monitoring usually requiring a subscription or DIY system that simply announces your activity in your home.

Obviously, professional monitoring is a solid choice, as a home monitoring agent can alert your local police if a door or window opens, but if you want to save a little dough, the DIY method is worth it. The DIY approach usually comes in packages that include a hub, keyboard, motion sensors, and contact sensors that attach directly to your doors and windows, but you can also find some of these components separately, using smart platforms. for home like HomeKit to keep you updated on your home situation.

One of the best things about modern smart home accessories is that most apply outdoors. All the things I mentioned, lighting, sockets and cameras, all have outdoor options, keeping the areas around your home safe.

However, there are a few specific outdoor accessories that can take things to the next level. Intelligent sprinkler systems keep our gases well hydrated and just like in the case of lighting, they can be configured by programming to make your home look like just another day.

Do you live in an area where sprinklers work at this time of year looks a bit strange? Use them as a deterrent! If you get an alert that someone is hiding your house, then start spraying! We doubt they would want to stick together after taking a cold shower.

Do you own a house with a gate guarding your path? There is an application and accessory for this! Smart door openers offer this extra peace of mind, as with garage door openers, allowing you to close it away if needed. The same is true for notifications, keeping you informed if anyone manages to open your door.

Even your good privacy fence can enter the smart home fun with connected locks. These smart locks take the traditional form of the lock, but they come with the added benefits of notifications, guest access and automatic locking. Use these locks to allow your landscaper to keep your grass beautiful and tidy, a sign that someone is on vacation.

Most of the things we've covered include protecting your home from intruders, but there are also several ways to protect your home from potential disasters. Smart smoke detectors monitor your home at any time, whether you are at home or leaving, and can notify you as soon as a fire begins.

This gives you the opportunity to call local firefighters immediately, potentially limiting damages and difficulties. Most smart smoke detectors also monitor carbon monoxide, giving you your head before moving to a dangerous situation.

You can also take this proactive approach to situations involving water. Smart leak sensors are included in wired and wireless varieties, both of which are extremely easy to install. Just set one of these near or below the sinks, water heater and bathtub and you're ready to go. Once the sensor or attached cables get wet, it will send a notification to your phone alerting you of the situation, opening a small window to remotely arrange it.

Because a leak can become a flood in a matter of minutes, a leak sensor works best with connected water shutoff valves. Although these valves will more than likely require a call to an installer for installation, they are one of the best investments you can make.

These valves are installed directly on the inlet water supply lines in your home, giving homeowners controls that can turn on and off the water flow from the comfort of a phone. Some valves monitor the use of water, automatically detecting leaks, but others can work with leak sensors to shut things down if the water stops.

What are some of your tips for home protection?

Do you have a smart use of smart home technology to secure your home? Do you have a special accessory that you think works best? Tell us in the comments below!

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