The smart technology you need to keep your home safe

The job of protecting your home is easier than ever thanks to rapidly evolving technology. You no longer have to be tied to whole-home contracts or pay for overly elaborate, expensive systems you don’t need. The devices available now enable you to customize the right security system for your home, allowing you to protect what’s most important to your family.

Keep the following devices and ideas in mind as you work to secure your home from robberies and other potential dangers.

Get a smart door alarm

Thanks to DIY security kits, you can add door alarms to your home without building out an entire system: "Many people don’t realize they don’t need an entire commercial alarm system to reap the benefits of door alarms,” explains experts from The Home Security Super Store.

What’s more, most door alarms are available to you, allowing you to stick within a specific budget. They continue, “Magnetic door alarms, knob-touch versions, and even doorstop-style alarms are all compatible with most standard doors, and they’re incredibly easy to install. If you’ve got a few minutes and a battery or two you have what it takes to keep your loved ones safe.”

Answer the door virtually

Pair your motion sensor door alarms with a video doorbell that allows you to see anyone at your front door. Spring for a system that allows you to speak to the person at the door through your smartphone—giving you the same security as an apartment call box.

“Ring (Ring Video Doorbell, security company) recently partnered with the LAPD to donate and install their Video Doorbells in Wilshire Park, and after six months, home burglaries were reduced by 55%,” says Lois Alter Mark, from 10best.com.

When choosing a virtual doorbell, you may be able to find an entire system that features the following security options:

• Video recording/DVR
• Smartphone connectivity
• Virtual keys
• Remote lock or remote access

Invest in a security camera

Whether you want to protect valuables with a hidden camera or install a system outside your home to deter intruders, there’s a security camera for you. The key is investing in a camera that will allow you to stop a crime before it starts, which requires remote access to the feed, smartphone connectivity and DVR—if you don’t catch it happening, DVR may make it easier to catch the suspect.

Cnet’s buyer’s guide suggests asking yourself the following questions as well:

• Will your camera stay in one spot or would you like to be able to move it around with ease (including outside)?
• What about the app? Do you want to have access to your camera on your computer as well as on your phone?
• Is a high-resolution video feed necessary or is it okay if the camera captures a simple standard-def clip or photo of a security event?
• If you're interested in saving video footage, would you rather use cloud storage or access your video locally (via a microSD card or a USB drive)?

Don’t overlook the garage

An attached garage tends to give homeowners a false sense of security because they rely on the garage door as a safety barrier to the door that leads into the house. In reality, the garage can be one of the easiest access points in your home.

“The service door or the entry door from the garage to the home is one of the most vulnerable and frequently targeted weak spots in a home. Burglars often aim for this area because most homeowners rely too much on their garage door, forgetting—and completely neglecting—to lock their inner doors,” according to Garage Safekeeping Tips.

To keep the internal door secure, install door alarms and a video doorbell or security camera. If forgetting to close the door is your main security struggle, invest in a door opener with smartphone capability so you can close it remotely. Paired with a camera, you can easily see if the door has been left open and remedy the situation.

Technology makes it easier than ever to keep your home secure. Perhaps we’ll soon see more new home builders offering smart security features as upgrades, or even as standard. Use these ideas to protect the most vulnerable places in your home and give yourself peace of mind.

Jessica Thiefels has been writing for more than ten years and is currently a full-time blogger. She is also an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, NASM Certified Fitness Nutrition specialist, and the owner of Honest Body Fitness. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for health articles, new workouts and more.