You made the choice to invest in a state-of-the-art home security system to protect your family and property. Congratulations. It was a smart move. Now, how you actually use the system determines its effectiveness. Do not make the most common mistakes homeowners are prone to.
Remember that a home security system is a tool. Just like any other tool, it only works as well as your ability and willingness to use it properly. Correctly utilize all its features to their full potential and you will maximize your safety. But fail to do so and your home security system might not keep you as safe as you think.
Vivint Smart Home is one of the nation’s leading monitored home security brands. Here are five home security mistakes they encourage homeowners to avoid:
1. Placing Cameras Where They Don’t Matter
Security cameras are a vital component of any effective home security system. But to do the job, cameras need to be placed in strategic locations. Placing them where they do not matter is not going to make your home safer.
At least one camera should provide a clear view of the front door. Another one should cover the back door or patio sliders. A third camera should be placed indoors at either the foot of the stairs or, in the case of a single-story home, in the hall leading to the master bedroom.
2. Failing to Adjust Motion Sensitivity
Security cameras and video doorbells can generally be adjusted for sensitivity. Yet the default settings programmed at the factory may make cameras either too sensitive or not sensitive enough. Neither scenario is ideal. Adjusting sensitivity offers maximum protection and minimum false alarm notifications.
3. Opting for Self-Monitoring
Modern wireless security systems allow homeowners to self-monitor. This is to say they can set up their systems to send them notifications when a camera is activated, a door is opened, etc. But for maximum effectiveness, self-monitoring requires that you check your notifications as soon as they come in.
A better option is professional monitoring. It is a service that most of the major brands offer. Professional monitoring keeps an eye in your house 24/7. It can alert the local authorities to a problem even though you have been prevented by work circumstances from checking notifications.
4. Not Including Fire and CO Monitoring
Fire and carbon monoxide (CO) are two silent killers that take far too many lives every year. As long as you are rocking a home security system in your house, don’t forgo fire and CO monitoring. Equip your system with integrated smoke and CO detectors that are monitored right along with your video feeds and window and door sensors.
When it comes to fire and CO poisoning, every second counts. The faster you are alerted to a problem, the safer you will be. In terms of fire specifically, getting the fire department on scene faster can make a difference to your property.
5. Not Changing Usernames and Passwords
Finally, wireless security devices come with default usernames and passwords built in to the software. Those usernames and passwords are easily discoverable online. Do not make the mistake of leaving the factory settings intact. Change the usernames and passwords on every piece of wireless equipment in your system.
Technological advancements and price reductions have made home security affordable to just about everyone. Perhaps that’s why home security systems are so popular these days. However, a home security system is only as good as its setup. If you want to maximize the protection your system offers, do not make the mistakes discussed in this post.
