1st Alarm Amarillo Home Security Systems Archives - Page 13 of 21

Installing Home Security Cameras Is A Must For Maximum Security In Amarillo Texas

With rising crime rates, it is more important than ever to implement security for your Amarillo TX home. Home security cameras not only deter criminals from choosing your home as a potential target, but they also allow you to connect with your home and property whenever you’re away. Today’s technology will enable you to view activity at your home or on your property with a computer, tablet, or your smartphone from where ever you have internet access. There are other benefits to installing home security cameras so you can have peace of mind.

Home Security Cameras Save Money

Many home insurance companies offer a reduction in premiums if you’ve installed a home security camera. With home security cameras, the risk of damage occurring to your Amarillo TX house is reduced, and insurance companies consider this step towards making your home safer a plus and often will reduce your monthly premium.

Security Cameras Footage Can Be Valuable in Court

Home security cameras will deter criminal activity from occurring at your home. Should an illegal entry occur, the footage obtained from the system can be used in court as evidence in the courtroom. The indisputable proof of catching the act on camera with court-ready recordings is a real benefit for anyone suffering from such acts of violence.

Keep Family and Pets Safe

The video feed on a home security system can be sent directly to your computer, tablet, or smartphone. This footage allows you to monitor activity in your Amarillo TX home while you’re away and ensures your family and pets are safe. Should any event be noted, you can call for help immediately and reduce the risk of harm to your loved ones. Home security cameras can also give you comfort in knowing your child arrived home safely or that your pet is not misbehaving in your absence.

Alert Authorities

A home security camera will alert you to any danger occurring in your home. Should a fire break out while you’re away, you will have immediate notice so proper authorities can be alerted and sent to your home. If a break-in occurs, you can have the local Amarillo TX police on the way to your home to possibly apprehend the criminal and reduce the risk of any personal loss.

Hold Household Staff Accountable

Many homes now have outside staff that comes into your house to perform a variety of tasks. You may have a housekeeper, babysitter, or even a personal health attendant for an individual in your home. A home security camera will provide you peace of mind when you are able to monitor these individuals’ activities. The security system will allow you to see that your staff is performing the duties they’ve agreed to provide.

Home security cameras provide you with many benefits. Having one installed in your Amarillo TX home can save you money, keep your home safe, and most importantly provide you with peace of mind while you’re away from home. These systems will create a safer environment for you and your family.

1st Alarm Amarillo boasts the best security alarm team and is the best video surveillance company in the greater West Texas region.

If you are looking to install a new security system or security cameras in your home or business, make sure to do your research on the best security companies in the Amarillo, Texas area. Look for a professional that can get the job done right the first time, and ensure that your investment is protected all hours of the day.

At 1st Alarm Amarillo, security is our #1 priority and we’re sure that after you speak with us that 1st Alarm will be your 1st choice to protect your home, business, family, and the people and property that matter most to you.

The 1st Alarm Amarillo professionals have the expertise and resources to help you secure your property quickly and affordably. To learn more about our residential services, request a quote online or visit us at our conveniently located office. If you are considering adding a security system or a security camera to your home or business, contact the security experts at 1st Alarm Amarillo. We have the expertise and technology to help you secure your premises at an affordable price. 1st Alarm Amarillo can help you with all of your security needs. Call 800-276-5559 today. Request a Quote online or come by the office located at 800 SW 7th Avenue in Amarillo, Texas.

How Can Installing Security Cameras In Your Amarillo Texas Workplace Benefit You?

Security cameras are vigilant defenders of your Amarillo TX business and their value to your workforce shouldn’t be underestimated. Stalwart guardians that never call in sick or need a vacation, security cameras provide 24/7/365 coverage of your operations. There are numerous benefits that security cameras in the workplace offer and the following are among the most commonly cited reasons businesses chose to install monitored security cameras to watch over their operations.

Security Cameras Provide an Unflinching Eye

Monitored security cameras remain on duty throughout the day and night. Whether your Amarillo TX business is open for customers or closed for the day, the security cameras maintain their vigil over your facilities. This keeps inventory safe from break-ins and shoplifters as well as keeping employees safe from robbers and burglars. This makes them a cost-effective investment that requires little more than regular maintenance and minor adjustments to maintain the system’s effectiveness.

Security Cameras Provide Legal Protection

Whether it is a customer saying they slipped and fell on a slippery floor or a worker who feigns an injury, security cameras provide a full accounting of events that can be used to defend your Amarillo TX business against malicious lawsuits and false workers’ compensation claims. However, there can be genuine slip and fall accidents that may require the victim to get medical attention for any injuries sustained. Being a victim of a slip and fall is not something you should be embarrassed about, especially if it was not your fault. If this has resulted in hip injury for example, it may be in your best interest to get in touch with a hip injury lawyer San Antonio to get an idea as to how you can move forward and help get your life back on track.

It is usually the lack of any concrete evidence on the part of a business that makes them susceptible to falsified slip and fall claims and amped up charges. A slip and fall lawyer would usually agree that the presence of recorded footage is like gold in an incident investigation, be it Amarillo, TX or Miami, FL. Often, recorded footage is enough to stop a lawsuit or frivolous workers’ compensation claim in its tracks before it has a significant impact on the business’ bottom line. Lawyers value their time, so recordings can help decide on settlements quicker, if any.

Security Cameras Reduce Insurance Costs

Monitored security cameras provide strong protection over property and people which is the reason that many insurance providers offer discounts for Amarillo TX businesses that install these systems. In many cases, the installation costs and costs of monitoring are easily recouped over the course of a year in the form of reduced insurance premiums and deductibles.

Security Cameras Increase Productivity

Security cameras deter malingers and lazy gossipers. They encourage workers to do their jobs without taking excessive breaks and engaging in unsafe workplace behaviors. This enhances the business’ bottom line and creates a stable foundation that the business can grow from.

Security Cameras Protect Sensitive Areas

Security cameras protect sensitive areas such as computer storerooms, file rooms, meeting rooms, etc. This keeps commercial secrets and customer data safe and secure. It also makes it possible to pinpoint any personnel who may attempt to gain unauthorized access to these areas for their own benefit.

Security Cameras Make it Possible to Make Adjustments

Whether it’s complaints from employees about the layout of a workstation, or product that simply isn’t moving off the shelves, cameras allow you to monitor the way your Amarillo TX business operates. They make it possible to see areas of congestion, spot “dead zones” that customers don’t walk through, and see how customers move throughout the facility. This provides an opportunity to optimize the layout and maximize both the efficiency and profitability of the enterprise.

Security Cameras Provide Proactive Recommendations

Security cameras allow you to see maintenance issues before they become dangerous problems. They allow you to see weaknesses in your security envelope that can be sealed up by installing new locks, fencing, etc. The things the camera sees, and doesn’t see, can help you determine the best ways to enhance the security envelope and deter the possibility of thefts, a break-in, false insurance claims, etc.

1st Alarm Amarillo boasts the best security alarm team and is the best video surveillance company in the greater West Texas region.

Commercial Video Surveillance Systems Provide Invaluable Protection For Amarillo Texas Businesses

As a business owner in Amarillo TX or one who works with the safety of a building – it is important that you understand the invaluable protection that commercial video surveillance systems offer. Being an owner or a person who is in charge of the security of a property comes with its own set of concerns and responsibilities. You have to think about productivity, the safety of clients and employees and theft – as well as keeping the property free from damage by unsavory individuals.

Vandalism is on the rise

Almost every city across the country has noticed an increase in property vandalism. From graffiti to much more serious and costly destruction of property, business owners in the U.S. are doing what they can to try to reduce the likelihood of their property being a target for vandals. Video surveillance systems are a way to cut down on damage to your Amarillo TX property by vandals. Why? Because security cameras are an important deterrent to people who want to cause havoc. These types of people target buildings who appear unprotected.

Inside your property

If the building you want to protect has hallways, rooms, corridors, stairwells and even some twists and turns, you will be best served with a video surveillance system. You want to be able to see what is going on in each part of the building. You don’t have to start out with placing security cameras in every single corner of the building – but your priority should at least target the entrances and exits. In this way, you can see who is entering – and who exits.

Commercial video surveillance systems provide protection for your people

When you have commercial video surveillance systems installed, you are offering your clients, customers and employees all that you can do to keep them safe. When they come and go in the dark, they will know that another set of eyes are watching. This will help them to feel safer as they enter and exit your Amarillo TX building.

With the 24-hour surveillance sign that you will post once you have your system in place, you are warning burglars or vandals that they are being watched. This sign alone is enough to act as a deterrent to many would-be criminals.

If there is a crime committed, the evidence is in the video and can help police to identify the wrongdoer.

Commercial video surveillance systems provide protection for your business

You don’t want to think that your clients, and especially that your employees would steal from you. Sad but true – it happens. Unfortunately, theft by employees and shoplifting by your customers accounts for the high losses among most businesses. To keep the temptation at bay – a commercial video surveillance system can be the best deterrent of all. If inside theft or shoplifting does occur, you will know when and by whom.

Commercial video surveillance systems provide invaluable protection for all

Commercial video surveillance systems will cut down on your long list of business worries. You can start out with priority areas and then add cameras as you see the need. The main thing is that you will gain a level of peace of mind when the cameras are installed. All you have to do is take a look at your smartphone to see what is going on at your Amarillo TX property – inside and out.

Experts in the field of security systems can help you decide on the appropriate commercial video surveillance system for your building and business.

1st Alarm Amarillo boasts the best security alarm team and is the best video surveillance company in the greater West Texas region.

Advantages Of Home Security Cameras In Amarillo Texas

No city is immune to crime. Even if you live in what is considered to be the safest part – your Amarillo TX home is still in danger of unwanted guests. When you have home security cameras installed, you know you’re doing what you can to protect your loved ones and your valuable property. There are many advantages to a home security system with home security cameras. Let’s take a look at a few.

Benefits of home security cameras

The first advantage of home security cameras is to keep out the bad guys. The most obvious benefit of having a home security camera system installed is to keep intruders from entering your Amarillo TX home. Many unwelcomed burglars and potential thieves have been discouraged from trying to break into your home when they spot home security cameras. Cameras act as a deterrent for many criminals and they move their target to a more unprotected house to ransack.

Home security cameras can actually help the police

If your cameras weren’t enough to deter criminals from entering your home, home security cameras will help the Amarillo TX police by giving them first-hand information. They’ll have the documented proof they need to make an arrest by seeing the intruder’s face. You may have a better chance of getting your stolen goods back too.

Home security cameras can keep an eye on home activities

If you have to leave kids or aged family members home alone – having another set of eyes can be helpful. Depending on the type of security system you choose, you will have the ability to check on things via your smartphone, tablet or computer. You’ll be able to focus on work or enjoy a dinner out without the worry – and still know how things are going on the homefront.

Home insurance – savings

Many home insurance companies offer discounts and lower premiums to clients who have home security cameras with a home security system that has been professionally installed in their Amarillo TX homes. The savings can be significant – up to 20%. Check with your insurance agent to see what they recommend.

Speaking of family members

Have you ever wondered what your pet family does while you’re away? Do they turn into the animals-run-wild that we see in cartoons? When you leave your pets unattended, you will be able to see what they’re up to when you have a remote security camera system. See who is really to blame for the mischief you sometimes come home to. The cat – or the dog?

Home security cameras and home security systems – a wise decision

You may think a home security system with home security cameras is a good idea but you’ve been putting it off for one reason or another. Or, you may think a home intrusion isn’t going to happen to you in your Amarillo TX neighborhood. Don’t put it off until it’s too late. You need experienced professionals to take a look at your property and make recommendations, show you the different options available and help you make a decision. The experts at 1st Alarm Amarillo will work with you to get you the best protection for your home and property.

1st Alarm Amarillo boasts the best security alarm team and is the best video surveillance company in the greater West Texas region.

10 Tips To Improve Your Amarillo Texas Home Security

Your Amarillo TX home is your castle and it’s essential for you to take proactive steps to protect it from those who want to gain unauthorized access to your family and your property. There are many steps you can take to protect yourself and the following are ten protective measures that you can do to strengthen your home security envelope.

Home Security Tip #1: Limit Access

Make sure that you don’t give out keys to family members and friends. Friendships can fail, keys can get lost, and when these things happen, your home security is exposed to unwanted intrusions.

Home Security Tip #2: Change the Locks

Buying a new home in Amarillo TX is exciting, just don’t get lost in the excitement to the point where you forget to change the locks. This ensures that the former owners and anyone they gave keys to can no longer enter the property.

Home Security Tip #3: Illuminate the Exterior

Adding a series of layered lighting that covers doors, windows, patios, and porches provides a solid deterrent to thieves. Connecting your lights to motion sensors and video recording devices enhances this benefit and can significantly reduce the chance of a break-in.

Home Security Tip #4: Upgrade Your Alarm System

Home security systems are constantly evolving and while your Amarillo TX system may still provide basic security, a new home security system may provide even more protection. The most effective systems are WiFi connected, monitored systems that can alert you to the presence of a problem whether you’re in the living room, at the office, or sunbathing on a beach thousands of miles away.

Home Security Tip #5: Lock the System Down

Wiring and other components of your home security system should be positioned so that thieves can’t gain access to them to damage them. Control panels, wiring, cameras, etc. should be positioned and concealed so that thieves can’t access them before the police arrive.

Home Security Tip #6: Install Deadbolts

Every door to your Amarillo TX home should be fitted with a deadbolt. These are very difficult to bypass and will slow an intruder down. Similarly, all sliding doors and windows should be fitted with bars and clasps that lock from the inside and can’t be bypassed without breaking the window.

Home Security Tip #7: Clear the Line of Sight

Bushes, trees, shrubs, etc. should be kept well away from windows and doors as these provide sufficient cover for thieves to hide behind. Removing them removes the protection they provide to thieves. Similarly, placing “noisy” landscaping such as gravel and thorny bushes beside these areas can help deter entry.

Home Security Tip #8: Drill Your Family

Your family is your Amarillo TX home’s first line of defense. Everyone in the family should know how to utilize your home security system and any panic buttons, lock doors while everyone is home, and keep entry points free and clear of potential obstructions and hiding places.

Home Security Tip #9: Add Signage

Signs advertising that your Amarillo TX home is protected by security are a solid deterrent, however, be careful not to advertise the company protecting the system. This can provide information to thieves regarding the types of systems you have and the protection they provide.

Home Security Tip #10: Get to Know the Jones’

It’s always advisable to know your neighbors and let them know you. Forming strong relationships with the neighbors can help alert you when a looky-loo is lurking about or when a break-in or other dangerous events occur in the neighborhood that you should know about.

1st Alarm Amarillo boasts the best security alarm team and is the best video surveillance company in the greater West Texas region.

Security Cameras For Home Security Systems In Amarillo Texas

A wireless home security system is a simple, affordable way to protect you and your family. There are a number of decisions you must make before installing a security system in your home. One important addition that must be considered is including security cameras. Familiarizing yourself with the varying aspects of security cameras enables you to make an informed decision about the type and number of security cameras you invest in for your new wireless home security system.

Indoor versus outdoor security cameras

Interior video surveillance cameras help you keep an eye on anyone who may be in your home while you’re away, such as babysitters, house sitters, and construction workers, as well as other family members. When you’re at the office all day or out of town for the weekend, it will give you a peace of mind knowing the kids let the dog out, locked the doors, and started working on their homework.

Exterior security cameras deter potential criminals from breaking into or vandalizing the property. It’s important to display a security surveillance sign and have a few highly visible security cameras on the exterior premises so people are aware of the security system. You can use an exterior security camera to monitor one specific area of the premises, such as the front door, or install multiple security cameras to survey the entire property.

Types of home security cameras

Home security cameras include single cameras, hidden cameras, multi-room cameras, and whole house cameras. Typically, your security needs and budget will dictate the type of security cameras you have installed. Single security cameras are ideal for monitoring a small section of the home, such as the front door or a living room. Hidden security cameras are intended for discrete filming, such as keeping an eye on a nanny. Multi-room and whole house security cameras are suited for both interior and exterior use.

Security camera features

Black and white versus color – Generally, color footage isn’t necessary for home security cameras. As long as the footage is high-quality, it should be sufficient for your purposes. If you install exterior cameras, consider cameras with night vision capability. Infrared LED technology is also an asset for exterior security cameras, as it will illuminate the area, producing better video footage.

Coverage – The amount of area a security camera lens can cover varies greatly. Some lenses have the sole capacity to shoot footage of the area directly in front of the lens. Wide-angle lenses cover greater square footage. Pan-tilt-zoom lenses enable 360-degree views for comprehensive footage of an entire room or an entire section of the property. As you consider exterior security cameras, look for a camera with an automatic iris, which adjusts to varying light levels automatically.

Consult with your home security provider to get their insight on and comparing prices for varying equipment. You can also get recommendations from friends and family with home security cameras. Talk to them about what they do and don’t like about their current systems.

Reputable home security providers have ample experience helping local residents select security cameras for their home security systems. Your provider will work closely with you to determine your security needs and then choose the security cameras that best meet those needs within your budget. If you ever have any questions about video surveillance cameras, don’t hesitate to ask.

Update your home security system today and give yourself peace of mind. Protect your house and your family from vandals, break-ins or thieves. From protecting your loved ones to preventing theft and property damage, installing a home security system with security cameras is very important. Have ultimate control in your home with a professionally installed home security system.

1st Alarm Amarillo boasts the best security alarm team and is the best video surveillance company in the greater West Texas region.

If you are looking to install a new security system in your home or business, make sure to do your research on the best security companies in the Amarillo, Texas area. Look for a professional that can get the job done right the first time, and ensure that your investment is protected all hours of the day.

Security Cameras Are Your Eyes In The Sky That Keeps Burglars Away In Amarillo Texas

Security cameras are an effective deterrent against burglars seeking an easy score. Most burglars will turn away from a home or business armed with security cameras because the all seeing eyes catch everything and doesn’t lie. For most, the score simply isn’t worth the risk. Those who do decide to tempt fate and attempt to gain unauthorized access to a home or business run the very real risk of having the recording entered as evidence if they are caught and brought to trial.

Burglars are Lazy…But Not Stupid

Burglars want to get in and get out as quickly as possible. The presence of security cameras means they need to spend more time planning their entry and their escape. A study conducted by the Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation a few years ago showed that 83% of incarcerated burglars stated they first determined whether an alarm or camera were present on the property before attempting entry. Of these, 60% said they would choose a target where these security features were not present. The study also showed that 50% of burglars would retreat from the burglary if they discovered security cameras during the course of the crime.

Protecting What Matters Through Proper Positioning Of Security Cameras

Most burglars enter residential homes via open windows or exterior doors. Covering these with a security camera denies the burglar access to these entry points. It is also advisable to install security cameras on stairs or within hallways. Should a burglar gain entry to your property, these additional security cameras can limit their ability to move unseen throughout the structure. It is also a good idea to deploy a combination of both hidden and obvious security cameras. If a burglar sees one camera and covers the lens, they are likely to relax and feel free to move about…and miss the camera they don’t see.

When It Comes To Security Cameras – Quality Matters

Security cameras are only as good as the images it captures. For a camera to serve as an effective deterrent against a burglary, it must be able to capture high-quality images that can be used to apprehend suspects and use as evidence in a trial. Thus, it is worth investing in a high-grade system that will pick up the details that will matter to the judge and jury. An HD camera with 1080p resolution captures everything within 120 feet in the day and about 80 feet at night. This means that you will get a clear picture of the culprit long before they reach your front door. If the feed is monitored, it also buys extra seconds that can be used to alert law enforcement and direct them to the scene.

Upping the Ante

While security cameras themselves can provide a solid deterrent against a burglary, there are additional features that can further enhance their effectiveness. In addition to recording the feed and live-monitoring, the most effective systems are equipped with motion-sensors that trigger recording and lights, WiFi connectivity, wireless activation/monitoring, and even night vision. These features further tighten the security envelope surrounding a home or business and ensure that everything gets caught on camera. These features also make it possible for you to keep an eye on your home or business at all hours of the day and from wherever in the world you may find yourself.

1st Alarm Amarillo boasts the best security alarm team and is the best video surveillance company in the greater West Texas region.

Security Cameras Are New Age Technology In Protecting Your Home And Business In Amarillo Texas

Home security is on the minds of almost everyone these days. More and more people are adding security cameras to their home security systems as well as their business and home properties. Security cameras are becoming more popular as a means to ensure your home or business is protected continuously. These security cameras provide effective home security measures with the incredible benefits they offer.

The Most Important Feature of Security Cameras

The most important feature of security cameras is the sense of security it will give you. With strategic placement of security cameras, images from in front of them transmit onto monitors or to a video recorder. Access to the information transmitted onto screens is only available to those with limited access to view it. The information being collected is the activity occurring on your property, inside or outside, depending on where you place the cameras. Security cameras provide you around the clock surveillance of your home.

Better Home Insurance Premiums by installing Security Cameras

If you install security cameras as a means of home security, you can reduce your home and property insurance rates. These systems make you less of a target for criminal activity which means you are less of a risk so the insurance company can lower your premiums. Should an intruder or another source of damage occur to your property, the security cameras will capture the information which you can then use as evidence for your claims.

Reduce the Risk of Criminal Activity with Security Cameras

Home security systems with security cameras are much like a mounted alarm system only wireless. When intruders detect your camera is monitoring their presence on your property, they are more likely to leave without causing damage. Knowing their actions are not only being viewed but also recorded will quickly send them on their way. Studies have been conducted proving security cameras are incredibly effective. They have proven themselves to reduce crime both in private homes and in businesses.

Home Security Cameras offer More Flexibility

Technology advancements allow you to monitor the images caught on your security cameras in different formats. The traditional desk monitor is the basic design where a security team is able to observe activity on a screen. The information can also be monitored online where a security service is able to monitor activity in and around your home. There is also the option of using mobile devices to supervise the activity.

1st Alarm Amarillo boasts the best security alarm team and is the best video surveillance company in the greater West Texas region.

Home Security Cameras in Your Amarillo Texas Home Will Prove Vital Evidence If Your Home is Burglarized

Security consultants believe having home security cameras in your home will ward off potential criminals from breaking into your residence. If the criminal is still persistent or perhaps doesn’t see your security cameras and enters illegally, they will provide vital evidence for prosecuting the intruder.

Features of Home Security Cameras

Home security cameras today are capable of recording and sending images to a home security company through a network. This coverage means you, your family, and your property are protected 24/7 against any illegal activity or other dangers that may occur in your home. With this continuous coverage, help can be sent immediately when you or your home become threatened. If an illegal event occurs, this coverage also means the activity is being recorded for your use as evidence in court.

Home security cameras today can be connected to DVRs which capture the sound and can be set to record whenever motion is detected. The DVRs are capable of capturing a clear video and can be copied and enhanced easily for prosecutorial purposes. These recordings are a vast improvement from the earlier security cameras whose recordings were typically jumpy and grainy. Another improvement with today’s home security cameras is they allow you to see multiple camera shots all on the same monitoring screen.

Where Your Home Security Cameras Should be Located

Security cameras can either be openly displayed or concealed, depending on your need for the cameras. There are few if any laws dictating the placement of security cameras, unlike public ones who do have guidelines they must follow. If you are concerned with someone breaking into your home, you may want to place your camera in plain sight to ward off intruders. Make sure you place the camera where it cannot be easily reached, damaged or turned off by someone who wants to get into your home illegally.

In some cases, you may want the camera concealed, so its presence is unknown to everyone except you. This concealment would allow you to monitor all activity in your home if you have concerns. Home security cameras concealed inside your home can also capture the movement of burglars if they enter your home and those images can then be used in court if you end up having to file charges.

1st Alarm Amarillo boasts the best security alarm team and is the best video surveillance company in the greater West Texas region.

Home Automation Presents A World Of Possibilities In Amarillo Texas

Wireless technology has made home automation a simple, affordable solution for all homeowners. Despite the prevalence of home automation, many people assume it’s only for high-tech individuals who have always dreamed of having a fully automated home. However, home automation features are applicable for all homeowners. If you’ve been on the fence about home automation, consider the advantages it has to offer for modern families.

Home automation adds security

Arguably, the most important reason to invest in home automation is heightened security. When you’re in a hurry in the morning, it’s way too easy to leave the back door unlocked or forget whether or not you closed the garage door before pulling out of the driveway. Instead of worrying about the security of your home or taking time away from work to double check a lock, you can remotely lock or unlock your doors and even close your garage door right from your smartphone or computer whether you are home or across the nation.

You’ll also receive automatic alerts when suspicious activity occurs. In many instances, the activity may be as simple as a child forgetting to lock a window or close the back door all the way. However, in rare instances, you’ll know right away if someone is attempting to break into your home. The system will alert the authorities immediately, ensuring rapid response time.

Home automation saves energy

While you’re at work all day, the outdoor air temperature may change drastically, leaving your house uncomfortable when you return home. Instead of waiting hours for the household temperature to adjust itself, make a quick change to your thermostat a few hours before you head home. You can also control your lights from your smartphone or computer to save energy. Consider setting your lights on a timer so they’ll switch on periodically on weekdays when everyone is at work or school or while you’re on vacation so passerby think someone is at home without having to run the lights all day.

Home automation increases awareness

Homeowners worry about their home the most when they’re working long days at the office and when they are out of town for a week or more. When you live on a quiet, suburban street or out in the country, it could be hours or even days before someone noticed and reported suspicious activity. From a long meeting across town to a two-week vacation across the country, you know exactly what’s going on at your home at all times. You get peace of mind knowing you can check your security cameras yourself and that the authorities will be alerted immediately if an incident occurs.

If you’re having trouble choosing a home automation provider or aren’t sure which features will be most beneficial for your home, talk to family and friends with home automation systems. Inquire about their experiences and what they would or wouldn’t do differently in the future. Keep in mind you can start small, adding a few key features to see how they work, before investing in the entire spectrum of home automation features.