(NAPSI)—From kids and pets, to your home or business, there is a lot you want to protect. There are many things you need to consider when wanting to keep your loved ones safe and your valuables secure. To help, here are some top tips:
First and foremost, security has come a long way from the days of alarm systems with monthly monitoring fees from a security company, or the dependency on your neighbors to respond when they hear the alarm. With today’s smart home and Internet of things technology, it is economical, easy and very effective to install an enterprise-level security system to keep a constant eye on what matters most to you.
If you are seeking an easy way to have a watchful eye on your home when you are away, you can install a smart home security camera system for a relatively small investment, compared to the security systems of old. A good example is the NETGEAR Arlo security camera systems, which can take a lot of the worrying out of your life. “Install” is a bit of a misleading term in that Arlo cameras are 100 percent wire-free; just snap the cameras onto the magnetic mount for easy placement. Without the need for power or a hardwire to your Internet connection, you can strategically place the cameras inside and outside, with no concern for how they would perform in adverse weather conditions because they are weatherproof rated. In minutes, you’ll be set up to monitor your valuables from the palm of your hand anywhere in the world. You can even share camera access or specific videos with friends and family.
These cameras also come with rechargeable batteries and have an optional solar panel accessory that is worry free. And, with the two-way audio, you can even greet FedEx and let the delivery person know where to place your latest Amazon purchases.
Simplicity is the name of the game here with these new technologies. The free app is designed so you can access video, receive alerts and get a live view of your video feed. It is available for iOS (Apple), Android, Apple TV and Web browser with no hidden charges and allows you to check in with a live video feed at any time. With the motion-activated alerts, you can respond to emergencies immediately—100-decibel siren included—and also have a record for any potential follow-up with your local police department.
The Arlo camera system can protect in three ways:
- At Home: Whether you’re on the couch or at the office, it will alert you when someone’s coming. From housekeepers and babysitters to repairmen, mail delivery and gardeners, you can keep tabs on all the activity around your house.
- Business Security: See what your workers are up to when you’re not there or check to ensure the cleaners locked up properly after closing.
- Pet Monitoring: See what happens when you’re away and take whatever steps are needed to keep pets (and neighbors) smiling. Geofencing is available.
Additionally, NETGEAR has created an initiative called Arlo Cares, to partner with communities to provide options when it comes to their security. Arlo Cares works with public safety professionals as well as nonprofit organizations to demonstrate how easy it can be for community members, working together, to promote a safer and more secure environment for their friends, family and fellow neighbors.
There are also plenty more tips you can follow to ensure the security of your property.
Something that may not always be common sense in this day of connected networks is: Don’t post your travel plans on social media. We all love to share our travel experiences with friends and family and our social channels make it so easy to do so; however, be warned if your accounts are public. You could be broadcasting to the world that no one is home.
Also, the old standby still holds: If you’ll be away for any extended time, stop mail and newspaper deliveries, and ask a neighbor to remove any flyers that might be placed on your doorstep.
It is always a good idea to keep shrubs and bushes trimmed and to use outdoor lighting to eliminate places where a potential prowler could hide. There are even plenty of motion-activated lights that can put more light on a subject, so to speak. And remember those timers; these are still effective ways to turn lights and televisions on and off when you are not home. It gives the impression of activity to any passersby.
You should also be wary of anyone offering repairs or contract work door-to-door. Ask to see his or her operating license and call the company. They may just be snooping to see if someone is home during the day, or if they do get contracted, they may have an open invitation to evaluate the contents of your home and accessibility options.
Many of us have very busy lives and the sense of community is often a remote one, but it is still important to get to know your neighbors. You can also leave spare keys with someone you trust, and don’t place them under a doormat or planter or other obvious hiding place. Lock exterior doors at night and every time you leave the house, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Lock gates, garage doors and shed doors after every use. Keep outdoor lights on in the evening—whether or not someone is home. Secure sliding glass doors with a dowel or pin.
Learn More
For further facts, go to www.arlo.com.