So you’ve packed your bags, you’ve stopped your mail and you’re ready to head out on vacation, but before you go, have you taken steps to protect your home? The last thing that many homeowners expect to happen when they are away is to be burglarized. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation there are more than 2-million burglaries in the U.S. each year, with the average loss of just over $2,000 per victim. But now you can monitor your house while you’re away – just by picking up your smart phone. Continue reading to see how you can begin protecting your most important assets.
An Introduction to Non-traditional Home Security
Being able to monitor your home’s security from your smartphone gives you extra peace of mind.
Imagine this: You’re at work for the day. With a few clicks on your phone, you pull up live images of your home from every possible angle. You see what doors are unlocked, who’s inside, and what they’re doing. You check up on the babysitter trusted with your kids. Or maybe you dial in from the road and look at images of your office to see if your staff really showed up to work when you were out of town. Whatever the need may be, it’s all possible—and not terribly hard to achieve. And who wouldn’t want to watch their property when they’re not around?
Monitoring via Cell Phone Networks
Cellular wireless monitoring allows your alarm company to monitor your existing alarm system without the need for a traditional phone line. Instead of your alarm system being tied to a phone line, which can easily be cut and disabled, a wireless transmitter is added to your alarm, which enables it to communicate with a 24-hour dispatch center via advanced GSM cellular networks. These Uplink transmitters are easy to install, and usually only take an alarm technician about 30 minutes to complete on a compatible alarm system.
The wireless transmitter is installed inside your home next to the main control box in your closet, and operates independently of your cell phone and Internet connection, thereby resulting in the safest, most reliable monitoring available today. If your phone line goes down, gets cut, or your power goes out, wireless transmitters still keep you covered. The transmitters offer ultimate security with digital encryption, and dual band GSM capability. Unlike your cell phone that can connect to only one wireless network, wireless transmitters have access to all major networks like AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and other carriers. As long as one or more of these carriers gets service at your home, you’re covered.
The Addition of Cell Phone Apps to the Home Monitoring Equation
Mobile applications represent the latest in home security system technology. Security systems of the past featured a set it and hope for the best mentality. Now, with improved technology, homeowners can arm and disarm their systems from a smartphone with the swipe of a finger. More advanced systems allow you to watch live video of what is happening around your home, turn lights and appliances on and off, and even control your thermostat from the palm of your hand. Mobile apps have revolutionized how you can stay in touch with your home from anywhere.
Surfing the Next Big Wave in Home Security
Smart gadgets have quickly become the next big thing in home security. They range from single camera systems which cost in the neighborhood of $150 and have features such as night vision and digital zoom, to advanced, multiple camera set-ups that can detect motion, record video and send alerts to your phone. While high tech devices are cheap and easy to use, there are some potential drawbacks. If you have a power failure, your electronic systems might fail. If your Internet is down, you may not be able to log on to monitor the video or activate the alarm system. And, unlike with a security service, no one’s monitoring your house but you. You kind of have to put the burden on yourself to be able to monitor when there’s an alert for a motion detection going on, be able to grab your phone and maybe call the police if you are concerned.
Cellular-based monitoring is becoming more and more important to consumers due to its increased reliability. Compared to phone line or Internet-based home security systems, cellular systems do not rely on wires to transmit data to the home security’s central monitoring station. An intruder can circumvent these older systems by simply cutting the wires that run outside the home. If you’re looking to really protect your home and your family, the first thing you need to do is call the Alarm Lady, Linda Stubblefield. Pick up the phone and call today to see how she, along with the experienced and knowledgeable technicians at Unlimited Security, will provide you the protection and peace of mind you deserve.