When you’re stuck at work pulling a graveyard shift, the last thing that you want to worry about is if your home is safe. You spend so much time protecting the local community, but it’s imperative to also take measures to protect what’s yours while you’re on duty. The security equipment market made over $20 billion in 2012, according to the 2012 Physical Security report conducted by Research and Markets, indicating law enforcement officers aren’t the only ones concerned about home security; it has become a global standard. With so many gadgets on the market, it can be difficult to choose which ones you need. Here are our picks for the top five technology gadgets you need to protect your home:
Remote Control Access Security System
You’ll find much more peace of mind after installing a security system that features remote control access. One leading company that offers this is LifeShield, whose wireless security systems feature a remote login capability online and through a smartphone app. This allows you to check on any surveillance cameras as well as arm or disarm the alarm from anywhere.
Electronic Pet Door
Do you loathe getting up at the crack of dawn to let the dog out? Have you avoided installing a doggie door because of the security risk? An electronic pet door offers convenience without compromising safety. Plexidor Electronics makes a state-of-the-art pet door that can only be activated with a radio frequency identification device, which is worn by your pet. It lifts up and down like a garage door and is made from specially hardened plastic panel slides that are sturdy and secure. Electronic pet doors start around $100 and can cost up to $1,149 for high-end models.
Motorized Blinds
When you’re out of town or working a double shift, motorized blinds help make it look like you’re home to ward off intruders. By installing them on all street-facing windows, you can then program the blinds to automatically lower at sundown and raise each morning. As an added bonus, motorized blinds can help cut down on energy bills by maximizing or minimizing sun exposure in your home depending on the season. Mother Nature Network notes that while prices of motorized blinds vary, they typically start at $120 per window.
Programmable Lighting
Another simple way to make it look like you’re at home is by turning the lights on. For nights when you have to pull a graveyard shift, programmable lighting makes your house look occupied. Don’t want to waste electricity? Set an LED lamp on a timer and place it near a street-facing window. Lamp timers are available at most hardware or home improvement stores for under $20.
Peephole Camera
Want to keep track of who comes to your door when you’re not at home? Brinno offers a digital peephole camera that is motion-activated and records photos of all visitors on a microSD card. The camera also comes with a 3-inch LCD display that can be attached to the back of your door so you can easily see who’s knocking without having to squirt through a tiny peephole. The Brinno PHV1330 Digital Peephole Viewer and Recorder is available for under $100.
