A Quick Smart Home Security Checklist for Parents This Fall

Fall brings a change in schedules as school starts again. Your children’s safety is of the utmost importance since they’ll be spending some time home alone if you’re a working parent. Here is a quick security checklist that will help keep your house secure and family safe.

1.     A Video Doorbell and Smart Locks Only Give Access to the People You Choose

The beauty of integrating a video doorbell and smart locks with your security system is that you control who has access to the house. With these security products, you’ll never need to worry about lost house keys ever again. Hiding a spare key outside is an open invitation to burglars, so eliminating keys further secures your property.

A smart home security system allows you to assign every family member a unique code so that they can get into the house. Your home is safe even if someone forgot to set the alarm.

If someone forgets their code, just have them ring the video doorbell, and you can answer no matter where you are. Then just open the door using the app on your smartphone. Only you can give access to your residence, and you manage the codes.

2.     Program Your Smart Thermostat to Save on Energy Bills

If you have children, then you probably have open doors and windows at some point because the kids are in a hurry and forget to close them. However, a smart thermostat saves the day.

Put sensors on the doors and windows and connect them to your security system. You can program it to set back to energy savings mode when the system senses the windows or doors are open an extended amount of time. The system will even send you a notification about the problem, and you can tell the kids to fix it. Once the issue is corrected, the thermostat sets the temperature back to normal.

You can even program the thermostat to adjust the temperature while no one is home to save money. Then tell it to reset to your preferred temperature 30 minutes before you get home. You’ll save money while still feeling comfortable in your home.

3.     Use Image Sensors

Want to know who’s coming home with the kids after school or wondering if they made it home safe? Place image sensors in areas that you want to monitor such as the front or back door. An image sensor is essentially a motion sensor with a camera on board. When the front or back door opens, the motion activates the camera. The image sensor takes a picture and sends it to your smartphone, so you know the kids made it home and who they’re with.

About Security Instrument

Security Instrument is a full-service, independently-owned security integrator that offers numerous electronic security options. We serve thousands with commercial and home security in Delaware, MD, NJ & PA.

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Essential Smart Home Security for Busy Parents This Fall

Every year our schedules spiral out of control when the kids go back to school. With new routines, after school activities, and work, some things fall through the cracks. Let smart home security help with the most important things that protect your property and family.

Intelligent Home Security Reminders

It’s easy for everyone to forget something important like setting the security alarm when you leave. Everyone’s hurrying to get to school or work, and inevitably, the last person to leave forgets to lock the door and arm the system.

Smart home security allows you to set reminders that the whole family can receive through the smartphone app. If the alarm is off and the front door unlocked, anyone can easily secure the house by just tapping the button in the alert. The alarm system locks the front door and arms the system. No one has to run home. You can secure your home from almost anywhere.

No More Missing Keys

It’s common for kids to lose their keys, so you always leave a spare key outside. However, this simply isn’t safe. Burglars know the common places people hide their extra keys so it can cause a severe security issue.

Today’s intelligent security systems make house keys obsolete. The system allows you to set a unique access code for each member of the family. When the kids get home after school, they just key in their code, and the system unlocks the smart locks.

Worried someone will forget their code? Have them ring the video doorbell, and you can let them in the house using the smartphone app.

Smart Clips Let You Check-In on the Kids

Even as our children mature, we still worry about them. One thing parents always want to know is that their kids got home from school safe. Intelligent video surveillance lets you set actions that trigger the cameras to take a smart video clip. If you want to know when the kids get home, set a trigger for when they enter their access code, or the front door opens. You can also manage the alerts and clips right through the app on your phone, so you only monitor the things you want to.

If you don’t have a smart security system yet, contact a security integrator. They’ll  help you find the best features for your family’s needs and customize a security system that helps you secure your home intelligently.

About Security Instrument

Security Instrument is a full-service, independently-owned security integrator that offers numerous electronic security options. We serve thousands with commercial and home security in Delaware, MD, NJ & PA.

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Love Your Dog, Use a Security System

You love your family’s dog – who doesn’t? He’s loveable, delightful and lives to please. But is seeing him enough to frighten away someone trying to break into your home? Often – and, unfortunately – the answer is no. Here are some reasons why.

His senses are not always reliable.

Dogs have been blessed with senses we can only dream about – hearing, smell, taste – and they can also be very good at sensing the existence of threats. Unfortunately, that last sense does not apply to every dog. Some breeds aren’t great at knowing when danger is around the corner, and expecting those pets to be “guard dogs” just isn’t fair.

What would be fair to your pup would be to use a professionally installed and monitored home security system instead. It contains motion detectors, glass break detectors and other technology that works together to alert you when someone is forcing entry into your home. At the monitoring center, your system is being monitored by security professionals so that help will be dispatched the moment your alarm is triggered.  

He’s not connected.

No, this isn’t a joke about what dogs he knows in the neighborhood (although that would be amusing!). It’s actually about this fact: No matter how enthusiastic he is about protecting you, your dog isn’t connected to the monitoring center. But your home security system is, and that means one of our trained security professionals will answer whenever a signal occurs. Like your dog, they’re always in your corner – but in addition, they have a 24/7 connection to emergency responders.

Your pet might be your best friend, but he shouldn’t be expected to be your home’s guardian. To take the next step and learn more about home security, Delaware homeowners can call Security Instrument.

About Security Instrument

Security Instrument is a full-service, independently-owned security integrator that offers numerous residential and commercial security options. We serve thousands of customers located throughout Delaware, MD, NJ & PA.

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7 Tips To Leverage Home Security For Back To School

If you have kids you know the chaos of getting everyone out the door on time or managing daily routines so chores and schoolwork get done. As the kids get older, the schedule gets even more demanding as they add things like extracurricular activities and time with their friends to the already taxed weekly schedule. Making sure everything runs smoothly and optimally is a near impossible task and would take a team of people to get done. Fortunately, smart home technologies provide some great ways to tame a monster school schedule.

No More Snooze Alarm

If you have a reluctant student, getting them out of bed can be a long and unhappy process and one that can make them and everyone else in the house late. Get them out of bed and moving easily by using automation to turn on lights, open shades and turn on music for a wake-up they can’t ignore.

Did You Forget?

One of the most common and stress inducing parts of the morning rush is realizing that you forget to turn off the iron or coffee pot, or forgetting to lock the doors. Leaving it on or unlocked is not an option, but going back will definitely make you late—again. With smart home enabled devices, you can remotely turn off offending appliances or lock the doors from your smart phone or another internet connected device.

Make Areas Off Limits

If your kids get home before you do, they have time to get into things they shouldn’t. With access control, you can make certain places off limits and get a notification if anyone tries to gain access. This helps keep your kids, or their visiting friends out of harm’s way.

Unique Access Codes Let You know they are Home Safely

With unique access codes, you can know when each of your children gets home, and when. This prevents them from taking detours before getting homework done.

Know When or if They Leave

Are they leaving in enough time to make it to sports practice? Did they leave before their homework was done? Smart home technologies can help you manage the comings and goings by providing real time alerts if any enabled door or window is opened.

Do They have Friends Over?

If you are away at work or running errands, it is easy for your house to become the place everyone gathers to play Xbox instead of getting their homework done. You’ll know if your home is a gathering place with alerts that tell you that your doors are being opened an unusual number of times.

No Gaming Until Work is Done

Use smart technologies to help you remove the distraction of television or gaming systems by disabling them until work is done.

Video Systems Let You Keep an Eye on Things

With real-time video, you can check in anytime and see that everything is on track. Are chores getting done, is homework finished? Access to real-time video helps ensure that your student is keeping academics a priority.

If you are interested in learning more about how home automation and access control technologies can help you manage the complexities of back-to-school, give Security Instrument a call today.

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4 Outdoor Essentials To Make Your Home Smart For The Summer

Summertime means warm weather and fun vacations. It’s also the peak time for break-ins and burglaries. Nothing could be worse than coming home after a peaceful vacation only to find that someone broke into your house.

Installing outdoor security protects your property and family even when no one is home. Security systems give you peace of mind by guarding what’s important to you.

1.     Install a Doorbell Camera

Doorbell cameras are quite convenient, especially when you’re not home. Motion triggered alerts, two-way voice, and a video feed allow you to see if it’s the delivery man on your porch or an intruder. It’s an excellent crime deterrent because criminals don’t want to be caught on camera.

2.     Use Smart Cameras to Enhance the Security of Your Property

Today’s security cameras don’t just alert when there’s motion outside, they can differentiate between animals, vehicles, and people. Smart security cameras can also tell if someone is on your property. You can even customize the alerts so that you only monitor what you want to.

These cameras show intruders that you mean business. Would-be thieves will pass right on by.

3.     Contact Sensors

Install wireless contact sensors on your doors and windows to get alerts that notify you if there’s a break-in. These sensors also remind you to set your alarm and lock up for the evening. Monitoring your children when they’re in the yard is another asset of a wireless contact sensor.

Intelligent home security lets you control your home. Sensors also help you watch who opens the gate to the yard, pool, or tool shed. They also monitor other off-limit areas that you don’t want the kids exploring. Kids are naturally curious and they’ll test the limits, especially when they’re out of school for the summer.

4.     Smart Outside Lighting

Criminals like to hide in dark places. Illuminate your property so there is nowhere for them to hide. Smart security image sensors and security cameras trigger lighting to come on when they sense motion and deem it a possible threat. You can also create a custom schedule with smart lighting so that when you’re away on vacation, the lights still come on every night. It looks like someone’s home to possible thieves.

You can customize automated smart home security systems to meet your needs. Rest easy knowing that an excellent security system has your back.

About Security Instrument

Security Instrument is a full-service, independently-owned security integrator that offers numerous electronic security options. We serve thousands with commercial and home security in Delaware, MD, NJ & PA.

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Local Alarm Companies vs. National: Pros and Cons

It’s hard to get through a single TV show without seeing a commercial for a big alarm monitoring brand. No wonder so many people arrive at the conclusion that nationwide alarm companies are the only sensible choice – and unfortunately, it’s an inaccurate conclusion. Here are some pros and cons to consider when it comes to choosing between a local company and the kingpins of the alarm industry.

Pro of Major Alarm Company: You know their name and can easily research them.

The benefits of name recognition are the same for alarm companies as they are for any industry. You can easily search for reviews of products and monitoring services; they are all over the internet. Unfortunately, the advantages end there.

Con of Major Alarm Company: Their name means nothing at the local level.

The reputation of a major, nationally-known alarm company is not necessarily echoed by its local dealers. To get an accurate account of how the dealer in your area operates, you will need to read reviews for that specific dealer.

When you find those reviews, you may be in for a surprise – because often, you’ll see things that are the opposite of how the company is portrayed in national advertising. You’re likely to read about anything from poorly designed services, to rigid contracts, to subcontracted services to pressure tactics. Sadly, many major alarm companies are famous for these disadvantages.

Pros of Local Alarm Company: Investment in Your Well-Being and Community

Unlike major alarm companies, local alarm companies are more likely to be personally invested in the well-being of their customers and community. They make sure their equipment is designed to protect that well-being, and their monitoring services are performed at the highest standards so that help is dispatched immediately if a customers’ signal is triggered. And unlike a national brand, your hometown alarm company has a relationship with local law enforcement and community organizations; this is all for your protection. As you may have guessed, a major alarm company can’t offer this.

Are there cons of a local alarm company? 

If it’s an experienced, reputable company that’s been trusted by your community for generations, there aren’t likely to be any cons. Founded in 1960, Security Instrument is the perfect example of a local alarm company that fits this description. We are deeply invested in the security of our customers throughout Delaware, and our headquarters remain in Wilmington. Home security customers who want to make a switch, or homeowners ready to invest in home security for the first time, are invited to contact us today.

About Security Instrument

Security Instrument is a full-service, independently-owned security integrator that offers numerous electronic security options. We serve thousands with commercial and home security in Delaware, MD, NJ & PA.

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Home Control: What’s in It for You?

If you are a news consumer, you know there have been a slew of stories lately designed to raise the alarm about habit-forming mobile devices and the negative impact they can have on our attention spans. Whether or not the goal of these stories is to convince you to ditch your smartphone, we want to caution against doing that – because if you did, you would miss out on the power of home control for your security system. In addition to the ability to arm and disarm your alarm via your smartphone, remote access to your system can provide you with total control over your home security. Consider the following.

Keeping Dibs on Your Doorstep

Doorbell cameras are all the rage right now, but they’re certainly not a fad. The popularity of doorbell cameras has skyrocketed for two good reasons: 1) They allow homeowners to see who is at their door without having to come to the door, and 2) they allow homeowners to speak to the person at the door without ever having to unlock the door. That’s powerful, and home control integration that gives smartphone access makes it even more powerful. With home control, you can keep dibs on your doorstep from anywhere.

Keeping an Eye on Your Kids

Yes, kids will be kids – but when you are able to see a potentially dangerous event before it happens, your kids can be safer and you can have greater peace of mind.

For instance, toddlers and young children who wander a little too close to the laundry room, medicine cabinet or garage can be stopped before they open the door – all because you received a smartphone alert as soon as they approached the danger zone. The same goes for older kids, as you can be notified when they get too close to the liquor cabinet, gun cabinet or a room you don’t want them snooping in. As home security experts, we can explain how the technology works – and we believe you’ll be impressed.

Keeping Watch Over the Unexpected

A home control system is a truly intelligent tool that can recognize when someone’s movements might spell trouble for your family. With the Unexpected Activity alerts it provides, you will be aware when that activity is taking place. Here’s how these alerts work: The home control system memorizes your household routine and notifies you when it sees something out of place: for example, the front door opening at a time when no one is expected to come home. When you receive a notification, you can view your live video to see what’s going on and act accordingly.

As you can see, home control really does mean near-total control over your household. To discuss taking advantage of this innovation for your family, contact Security Instrument.

About Security Instrument

Security Instrument is Delaware’s largest full-service independently-owned security company, serving thousands of customers throughout Delaware, MD, NJ & PA.

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The Smart Way to Use Your Tax Refund

Since the average American tax refund has been in the $3,000 range for the past several years, it’s no wonder that April marks the annual kickoff of home improvement and homebuying season. If you’re planning to move, there’s a lot you can upgrade on your new home with $3,000. If you’re improving the home you already live in with that money, you can probably do even more.

But before you call that kitchen cabinet contractor your neighbor told you about, we have something you may want to consider: The average dollar value loss of a burglary also in the same price range. Forbes reports that the average burglary costs a homeowner between $2,000-$3,000. With that in mind, maybe a non-cosmetic home improvement is a smarter way to invest this year’s tax refund. Specifically, an improvement to your home security system.

What kind of improvement?

A smart home security system upgrade, to be exact. This isn’t just about getting a better security system; it’s about a legitimate investment that adds value to your home and simplifies your life. In addition to arming and disarming the alarm from the convenience of your mobile device, here’s what else a smart home security system helps you do from the convenience of your smartphone:

  • View your monitored home security video cameras
  • Show you who’s at the door with a video doorbell alarm
  • Open and close the garage door at your command
  • Turn on the lights inside the house
  • Control your indoor temperature with a smart thermostat

There’s nothing wrong with cosmetic home improvements – but a smart home upgrade adds real value to your life and your home.

At Home or Away

When you’re away from home, a smart home system can be a lifeline. It gives you an easy, secure way to:

  • Let service people in the house while you’re at work
  • Let baby sitters, house sitters or pet sitters in without giving them an alarm code
  • Lock the door when you leave (or unlock it when you’re almost home)
  • Send you a text alert if there’s flooding, freezing or carbon monoxide in the house

That kitchen cabinet makeover will look great – but it can’t do any of these things.

As you can see, one of the smartest ways to use your tax refund is with an improvement to your home security. Delaware homeowners, find out more about a smart home upgrade by contacting Security Instrument. We would love to speak with you.

About Security Instrument

Security Instrument is a full-service, independently-owned security integrator that offers numerous electronic security options. We serve thousands with commercial and home security in Delaware, MD, NJ & PA.

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Integrating Your Virtual Assistant with Smart Home Security

There are so many great things smart home technology can do to keep you connected to your security system when you’re not at home. But did you know that it can be every bit as valuable to you when you’re actually at home? This is especially the case if you have a virtual assistant device, like an Alexa, Google Home or Amazon Echo system. These devices are incredibly intuitive, and so is your smart home security system. When the two are combined, they create a powerful home control environment for your family’s benefit.

Here are some things this integration offers you.

Effortless Alarm Control

Before you had a smart home security system, you had to use your alarm keypad to arm and disarm it. When you upgraded to a wireless smart home system, you started using a convenient mobile app on your phone instead. Now, integrating your system with your Alexa, Google Home or Echo makes it even easier. You’ll be able to control the alarm simply by giving your device voice commands. “Hey Alexa, arm the security system.” Done!

Keyless, Hands-Free Locking

If you have smart locks on your doors, you already know how convenient keyless entry is. Most homeowners never go back; they love the simplicity of pulling into the driveway and unlocking the door with their phone. What could be better than that? Bypassing he act of pulling out your phone altogether.

When you integrate your virtual assistant with your smart home security system, you’ll be able to enter the house, voice command your lights to come on (if you have elected to connect lighting to your system), and then close the doors by talking to your device. “Hey Alexa, close the garage door.” Your smart home system already made things easy; your virtual assistant device makes it even easier.

Quick Climate Comfort

Cold in bed in the winter and hot in bed in the summer? Don’t want to get up to adjust the thermostat? Here’s what you say: “Hey Alexa, set the temperature to 70 degrees.” You can command it to adjust to any temperature you want, quickly and conveniently. No getting up, and you don’t even need to reach for your phone.

If you have a virtual assistant device and would like to get it connected to your smart home security, Pennsylvania homeowners can call Security Instrument. We will be glad to give you more information.

About Security Instrument

Security Instrument is a full-service, independently-owned security integrator that offers numerous electronic security options. We serve thousands with commercial and home security in Delaware, MD, NJ & PA.

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How Soon to Invest in Home Security After Moving

Once the weather starts to warm up, the annual “moving season” is underway. If you’re among the thousands of Americans who will be moving this spring, you may wonder how soon to have a home security system installed. To inform your decision, here are some things to consider.

Home security can deliver peace of mind.

No matter how much you love the home you’re moving into, there’s bound to be a period of time before everyone feels accustomed to their new surroundings– especially when they’re tucked into their beds at night. To deliver peace of mind to everyone in the family, your home security system can be armed before bed time, disarmed when the sun rises and armed again when everyone leaves or the day – all from an app on Mom and Dad’s smartphones. When you have a security system installed in your new house starting on move-in day, it can give everyone the comfort they need to feel at home much more quickly.

Home security can monitor and manage guests. 

In those early days after the move-in, licensed contractors and moving professionals will be in and out of the house and family and friends will be dropping by.

No matter who your guests are, you want to monitor everyone who enters and exits the home – and you don’t want to do it by worrying about who’s going to be there to let them in, or whose job it will be to make sure nothing is being in taken as they leave.

A smart home security system can do all of that for you, with smart locks that you turn off and on with your smartphone app to let people in and out – and if you choose to include smart cameras, they can be checked when people are leaving to make sure nothing was stolen. Better still, a video doorbell can help you verify who a person is the second the arrive at your door.

Home security can save you money on utilities.

Anyone who has ever turned on utilities after moving knows what an unwelcome expense it can be. Paying a deposit for each of those services can add up to hundreds of dollars, and many new homeowners start looking for ways to save on the monthly bills to come. One solution may be your home security system, when it includes a smart thermostat that can adjust the home’s heating or cooling from your smartphone app. Using this feature can help a homeowner save on utilities month after month.

So, how soon should you invest in home security after moving? If these things are important to you, then the answer is as soon as possible. To learn more, contact Security Instrument for a free home security consultation.

About Security Instrument

Security Instrument is a full-service, independently-owned integrator that is equipped to help commercial organizations design and implement home security. In Delaware Valley, Security Instrument serves thousands of customers located throughout Delaware, MD, NJ & PA.

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