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Holidays/vacations are an exciting time for everyone. BUT it’s always a bit nerve-wracking leaving your home unoccupied. Anything could happen while you’re away. Thankfully, there is now a plethora of gadgets and devices available to help protect your home from unwanted visitors while we’re away. These devices can help take away any worries or anxiety you might feel, leaving you to relax and enjoy your holiday without a care in the world.
How to Protect Your Home While You’re Away Using Tech/Gadgets
There are so many apps and smart devices available that make it easy to protect your home and even pretend that you’re at home when you’re living the high life on the other side of the world. Here are some of the best gadgets to set your mind at ease and keep your home safe while you’re away.
Smart Doorlocks
There are various smart doorlocks available. These locks can tell you who has been in and out of your home. Some even automatically lock once you’ve left the house. You can email passcodes to friends/family members, delivery companies or trusted work people so that they can gain access while you’re away.
Some smart doorlocks can connect to smart home systems such as Nest or Apple HomeKit. So you could program the lock to turn on or off the lights when locked etc. You can easy make it look like you’re home when you’re not. VERY HANDY!
August Smart Door Lock – Compatible with Alexa, IFTTT, Apple Homekit & Nest
Yale Assure Touchscreen Lock – Compatible with Wink, Alexa, SmartThings & More
Video Doorbells
You’ve probably seen these on TV, where the burglar rings the doorbell to check if anyone is home before he breaks in, only to be thwarted by the home owner who has received an alert on their phone.
Video doorbells mostly use Wi-Fi to stream video to your phone, and allow you to respond with voice and/or video. Some have motion detection zones that you can alter. They can also be connected to smart doorlocks and other devices. So if you’re alerted that someone is on your doorstep you can switch on the lights, or choose to download the footage of the person in question. Hopefully this gadget will deter any uninvited guests!
August Doorbell Cam Pro – Compatible with the Smart Door Lock & has built in flood light
Ring Video Doorbell – Compatible with Alexa and also has night vision
Smart Plugs
Using a smart plug is an easy way to make your house appear occupied while you’re away. The plug is controlled by an app on your phone and you can switch on and off whatever product/device it is connected to.
So you can switch on and off lights at random times throughout the day/night, or when your video doorbell alerts you that someone is outside. This is much better than the old fashioned timers which are predictable and obvious to seasoned burglars.
iClever Smart Plug – Cheap and compatible with Alexa, IFTTT, Google Assistant etc
Wemo Insight Smart Plug – Works with Google Assistant, Alexa etc. Affordable. 2 pack.
Automated Pet Monitors
If you’re worried about your pets while you’re away, there are plenty of gadgets to help you put your mind at ease. There are automated pet feeders that you can set up with timers for low maintenance animals like cats. There are also devices that allow you to see and talk to your pet while you’re away.
Even if you have a friend/family member occasionally coming over to look after your pets it’s nice to be able to look in on them while you’re away. You can also get catflaps that monitor when your cat is in or out and can be locked via an app.
Petcube Bites Pet Camera – Perfect for dogs and cats
How to Turn Your Home into a Smart Home
If you want a comprehensive guide on how to turn your home into a smart home then it’s worth watching the new four part series presented by TV Personality Suzi Perry. It explores what devices and apps are available to make our lives a little easier and our homes a little safer, especially while away . The four episodes go into what’s available on the market and how to use them. You can check out the first installment, produced on behalf of Legal & General, below.
Hopefully I’ve given you some inspiration and ideas when it comes to protecting your home while you’re on holiday. Of course, I don’t want to make you feel paranoid, I’m not saying you need ALL of these things. But they will certainly give you peace of mind if it’s something you already worry about. So now that you’re feeling safe and secure, hop on your flight and enjoy your vacation! Bon voyage!
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