Most parents would agree that the safety of their family is a top priority as they make purchases for the home. Smart home devices are helping parents protect their families in entirely new ways, making their lives safer and healthier, while providing peace of mind as well. Here are some of the best types of smart devices for keeping everyone safe.
Protecting your home
- Whole-home security systems. Security systems have gotten much smarter over the years. These smart systems, including those offered by cable companies, can alert you to suspicious activity even if you aren’t at home. They can also allow you to keep an eye on a recently delivered package or check to see if your house cleaner or landscaper arrived on time.
- Emergency sensors. A variety of sensors are available to help you keep track of what’s going on at your home. In addition to those you would expect to see with a security system, new additions like water and humidity sensors can alert you to issues like leaks and broken pipes allowing you to address problems quickly.
Protecting your health and well-being
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Smart smoke and carbon monoxide alarms can not only alert you to emergencies when you aren’t home, they can also trigger your connected lights to help wake your family and get you out of the house.
- Air quality monitors. Whether it’s high humidity, toxic chemicals, dust, or other pollutants, these monitors are designed to warn you about an unhealthy home environment. This is especially important for families with young kids or individuals with health conditions like asthma, eczema, or allergies.
- Smart thermostats. Smart thermostats do all the things old-school thermostats do while also getting to know your habits and lifestyle to more accurately adjust throughout the day. You can control them remotely as well, ensuring that the temperature is just right when you’re unexpectedly arriving home with a sick child.
Protecting your kids and your pets
- Smart locks. As kids get older and start coming and going on their own, it can be nerve-wracking to think that they may forget or lose their house key. Smart locks allow kids (or the housekeeper or contractor) to enter using a passcode which can be changed at any time. Connected locks allow you to see who has entered and when, as well as if the door is locked.
- Proximity sensors. If smart locks aren’t your thing, you can use smartphones or other devices to alert you that the kids are home safely from school. All these devices, including the locks, can trigger lighting, temperature controls, and any other smart devices in the home if set up correctly. Alternatively, having a smart home allows you to remotely lock doors, turn off lights, and lower the heat when everyone is out of the home.
- Webcams. When you’re on the go and your pets (or kids!) are home alone, a webcam can help you make sure your at-home family members are safe and aren’t getting into any trouble. Some allow you to speak to your pets from afar and even give them treats.
Smart devices are fun to play around with, but they have real-world applications to help protect the safety of those you love. Take an inventory of your concerns for your family and home and create your own custom smart home system that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Do you have any tips or information you’d like to share? I’d love to hear them; please share them in the box below.
Christy Matte is a mom of two and a Boston-based writer who covers home security for XFINITY Home. She is also a die-hard techie who blogs at QuirkyFusion.com.