4 Smart Home Devices That Make Your Home Safer

Home security has undoubtedly evolved over the years. Gone are the days when you could trust a deadbolt on the door and locks on the windows. Today’s homes rely on smart home devices that allow you to monitor your home from anywhere. If you are looking to add some smart home features, consider these devices.

1. Whole Home Security Systems

   Today’s security systems protect against more than intruders. These smart home devices also alert you to fires, water damage, medical emergencies and more. They connect to an app, but are backed by a professional monitoring service, available night and day.

   What to look for:

   When reviewing your options, look for wireless connectivity, professional monitoring, installation assistance, smart capabilities that you can customize with rules for your household, and smart phone monitoring capabilities.

   Systems to check out:

   Do your homework and create a list of what you are looking for before starting the process. Consider looking at Simplisafe, Ring and NestSecure.

2. Smart Doorbells

   Doorbells can now do more than chime and alert you to a visitor on your doorstep. They can now act as security cameras and smart locking devices. You have the power to view (and often communicate with) the person at your door, unlock for package delivery, or pull up a live feed — and you can control the system via an app.

   What to look for:

   When checking out smart doorbells, look for Wi-Fi connectivity, high-definition recording, motion sensors and night-vision support.

   Systems to check out:

   Check out smart doorbells from Nest Hello, Ring Video Doorbell, Zmodo Greet Pro and August View.

3. Leak Detectors

   Smart home devices can do more than keep intruders out. They can keep items inside safe and functioning correctly, too. Leak detectors can sense when you have a potential leak in your bathroom, kitchen or basement. If a leak is detected, the system will notify you via an app. No more coming home to a basement flooding surprise — this will alert you ahead of time so you can head home to address the issue before flooding gets out of hand.

   What to look for:

   Consider looking for detectors that offer Wi-Fi connectivity and warn of both water leaks and freezing temperatures (both of which can be costly to clean up).

   Systems to check out:

   When reviewing your smart home device options, be sure to check out the Honeywell Lyric Water Leak and Freeze detector and the Utilitech White Flood Sensor.

4. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

   You can monitor your home’s safety from anywhere with smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You can monitor for potential issues and contact your local firefighters even while you are away from home.

   What to look for:

   You will want a system that works while you are home AND away, so be sure to find an alarm system with an alert that is loud and persistent, as well as one that sends an alert to your phone (in case you are off-premises when the event takes place).

   Systems to check out:

   Nest Protect and Onelink Safe & Sound make models that are worth reviewing for your home.

When it comes to the safety and security of your home, look beyond protection against potential thieves and break-ins. Look for smart devices that will help improve the overall safety of your home. And don’t forget to insure: The right home coverage will also give you peace of mind. Talk to your Farm Bureau agent about not only covering your possessions and your structure, but also the smart home features you use!