Hot Home Automation Trends for 2018
Technology That is Getting Smarter Home security has become a hot topic, especially in 2017 since more homeowners have become aware of how much a security system can protect them and what these systems can do. A home security system is much more than a device that sounds an alarm when an intruder comes into the home. They are even more than the 24/7 monitoring services they are attached to (although the authorities being called for you is a great feature to have) thanks to home automation. Security systems have evolved so much that they have entered into the realm of home automation. You don’t have to have a home specially built to be a smart home, but you can take what you have and transform it into something that is safer and more convenient for you. Read on for a rundown of what is expected to happen to home automation in 2018. More Talking and Less Button Pushing 2017 marked the emergence of the voice assistant. Amazon’s Alexa is the perfect example. However, it’s possible that Google Assistant and Siri could get in on the action. Imagine being able to control an alarm clock, the lights in your home, or appliances just by talking to Siri. Currently, the apps to control these home components are there, but through manual control rather than voice control. As for why Siri is in the running for voice-controlled home automation, Apple relaxed the requirements of its HomeKit. It’s no longer required that compatible products contain a HomeKit chip. This means that Siri could be integrated into existing smartphone setups installed by security companies. Home Appliances Will Get Smarter Currently, Whirlpool and Samsung have a few appliances that can be controlled by a smartphone app. And here’s another possibility: appliances connected to smoke detectors that turn off tan appliances if smoke is detected. This could prevent a terrifying and life-changing fire in the kitchen. More Robust Security Systems And just as they always do, security systems will come with faster processing speeds and other features. For instance, video surveillance is always improving. One of the goals is to further improve images captured in the dark. Complete Security Solutions All in all, it’s not just about the security anymore; it’s about having more control over what is yours. It’s also about having control over the scale of security. Some people like a simple security system, while others want the entire package. The flexibility is there to get what you want and it looks like 2018 is going to bring even more options for those getting new systems or upgrading their existing ones. Contact Your Rochester, Buffalo & Syracuse Home Automation Installer At SPS Fire & Security, you determine the level of security and convenience that you need. From regular security systems to automating different areas of your home, we have the tools and experience. To find the best solution for you, call us at 585-770-0348.
Get Started on Your Home Security New Year’s Resolution Now
Have Your Best and Safest Year Yet! The New Year is fast approaching, which means it’s time to make your New Year’s resolutions. One of those resolutions should involve enhancing home security. Fortunately, making this resolution a success is easier than you may think. Tips for a Successful New Year’s “Security” Resolution Making a “home security” resolution isn’t as difficult as sticking to a diet or a financial plan. Here are some tips that will keep you and your family safe in 2018: If there is a flyer on your front door, remove it as soon as possible. Sometimes, burglars will put flyers on doors to see if a person is home. If a flyer isn’t removed after a day or so, the burglar sees that as a sign that the occupants are long gone. Arrange for family or friends to pick up your mail and remove any flyers or other items that make it obvious you’re not home. Install timers on indoor and outdoor lights so they come on at night. However, you can change things up with a home automation system that enables you to control your lights from wherever you are. For instance, turn on and off different lights at different times to make it look like someone is home. Take those leftover boxes from Christmas to a recycling center or make sure they are cut up into small pieces so they can fit inside a garbage bag. When a burglar sees that plasma TV box sitting out with the trash, they know there’s a plasma TV in the house. Even if you trust your social media connections, don’t post when you aren’t home or when you’ll be away for long periods of time. It’s tempting to post those vacation photos, but you need to wait and post them after you return home. Fix those loose door jams. Did you know that 70% of break-ins are successful because the burglars are able to kick in the doors? It’s inexpensive to reinforce the door jam. Come up with creative hiding places for your valuables. Never leave valuable items in places that can be seen through windows. If you can do it, a safe in the floor or hiding behind a picture on the wall may not be a bad idea. Get a home security system with 24/7 monitoring so that your home is always protected. Today’s security alarm systems also alert of fire and carbon monoxide. There are also smartphone apps that let you monitor your system yourself so you know what’s going on at any given time. If you’re REALLY feeling the need for even more added security, video surveillance is an affordable option. Make sure the bad guys know that you have a home security system in place that will catch them if they even attempt to break into your abode. Your Rochester, Syracuse & Buffalo Home Security Experts At SPS Fire & Security, we want you to have an amazing holiday season and the best 2018 possible. By protecting your home, business, or anything else important to you, you are creating more security in your life. To learn more, call us at 585-770-0348, MAY YOU HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY 2018!
Holiday Fire Safety Tips
From Lights to What’s in the Oven – Avoid Holiday Fires It’s that time of year where everything is chaotic. It can be easy to forget what’s cooking on the stove or to turn off the lights on the tree at night. The last thing you want is to become a fire statistic, especially during the holiday season. Unfortunately, December is one of the most dangerous times of year for household fires, which is why it’s important for you to know how to reduce the risk. In the Kitchen According to the USFA, cooking is the primary reason for holiday fires. Food that is left unattended is the most common cause because of how easy it is to get distracted. To remember there’s food on the stove, carry a potholder or other kitchen utensil with you when you have to go to another room. If you’re deep frying a turkey, do it outside on a flat service at least 10 feet from any structure. Christmas Trees If you have a live tree and it’s too dry, it goes up in flames faster than firewood if it catches on fire. According to the National Institute for Standards and Technology, turpentine is made out of pine trees, which makes it very explosive. To prevent the fire, don’t leave Christmas lights on overnight. If the tree is dry, the lights could cause it to catch fire. Even if using LED lights that stay cool to the touch, it is better to be safe. You also don’t want to put a tree of any kind near heating sources. Although a well-watered tree is very difficult to ignite, keep it away from heat. Also, a real tree will start to dry out after 4 weeks no matter how well it is watered. Christmas Lights Broken, frayed, or cracked light strings should never be used. Out of all the holiday fire safety tips, this is one that you really need to pay attention to because it can be easy to just take the lights and put them up if they are working. When hanging lights outside, don’t use nails or staples because they can damage the wiring. Instead, you need to use UL-rated clips. Lights should be taken down within 3 months of being put up. Leaving them up year-round makes them susceptible to damage by animals. Instituting Other Preventative Measures There are ways that Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo area residents and even business owners can prevent holiday fires. One way is to upgrade existing security alarms to those with fire detection. If you don’t already have a security system in place, it is good to get one because it can immediately notify emergency services of a fire. You also want to put fire detectors throughout the home. The kitchen, near bedrooms, and wherever possible can be the difference between life and death. Contact A Syracuse, Buffalo, and Rochester Security Company SPS Fire & Security can help you institute safety measures to protect you, your family, your business, or anything else that is important to you. To learn more about how we can help, call us at 585-770-0348 today.