5 Ways Security Cameras Can Make Your Home Safer this Summer

 

If you’ve been considering having a home alarm system installed, now is the best time to do it! It’s summer, which means that the risk for burglary is higher. July and August are the most frequent months for break-ins, probably because people tend to vacation at this time of the year, leaving their homes unattended. It may also be because people leave their doors and windows open more often in the warmer weather.

Let’s explore five ways that home security cameras can keep your property safer this summer.

1. Keep an eye on the kids while you’re at work.

Wouldn’t you love to check in with your kids and make sure they are OK while you’re at work? Whether you’ve hired a babysitter for the summer, or your preteen and teenage kids will be caring for themselves, security cameras offer invaluable peace of mind that the ones you love most are safe. With a security monitoring system, you can do a quick check and ensure that the sitter and the kids are following the rules and are in good hands.

2. Monitor the yard while the kids play.

Another time that you want to keep an extra eye on your kids is when they’re playing outdoors. You may feel more comfortable with a fenced-in backyard, but what about when the kids want to draw with chalk on the driveway or ride their bikes on the sidewalk?

Security cameras allow you to keep an eye on your children while they are outdoors. Even teens who are hanging around your house can use the extra eyes!

3. Secure your pool area.

If you have a swimming pool, a video surveillance system offers multiple benefits. First, it can protect your own children from drowning. Accidental drowning is the number one cause of death in children between the ages of 1-4, according to the CDC. It’s suggested that if you can’t find your child, you should look in the pool first. Second, security cameras can keep unwanted guests out of your pool.

4. Protect your home while you’re on vacation.

Having a home monitoring system lets potential burglars know that your home is protected even when you’re not there. Considering that many home burglaries are carried out by local opportunists, a home alarm system is one of the best ways to protect your home. Burglars watch for residents to go on vacation, and this is when they attempt to carry out their crimes.

5. Get fire alarm monitoring.

During the summer, there are more risks of fire thanks to bonfires, cookouts and college kids coming home and using your oven to cook pizzas and Hot Pockets. Today’s home security systems have built-in features such as carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms. With these advantages, you can feel good about having your home protected from smoke, fire and carbon monoxide.

Get your free quote for a home security system from Texas Security & Surveillance and take the steps to make your home safer this summer!

Why Security Systems are a Good Fit for Rental Properties

If you own a rental property, a home security system is an investment that is worth considering. Not only can it make your property more attractive and help you secure a trustworthy renter, but also it can protect your property from theft, vandalism or burglary. If you do choose to install a security system, it’s important to be clear and upfront about what it means for your renters.

What are the Benefits?

First, let’s discuss the benefits to having home security system monitoring on your rental property.

• Prospective tenants are more likely to think highly of your property.

• You may be able to secure more reliable tenants who will care for your home.

• Possible tenants will feel safer, which can be helpful if your property is located in an iffy neighborhood.

• If there are any issues on the property - a fire, a break-in - first responders will be on the scene in a matter of minutes. This provides invaluable peace of mind that your property will receive immediate attention rather than counting on the tenants to make the first call.

• Most security providers include stickers or decals with their service that you can place on your property. This way, if your home has a month or two where it’s vacant, you can deter criminals.

• You may be able to charge more for rent because of the built-in features of a security system.

• Talk to your insurance provider, as you may be eligible for discounts by installing a home security system on your rental property.

Installation Tips

Do your homework and make sure that you select a reliable home security company. A trustworthy provider should have licensed installers, positive reviews, honest pricing, modern equipment and 24-hour monitoring.

It’s best that you are there for the installation so you can make sure that everything goes smoothly. Most of the time, you can choose the area where you want the security panel to be installed.

It’s also important that you have clearly defined instructions between you and the tenant for use of the system. Your tenants deserve to have peace and privacy, but it’s also acceptable to have the security code so that you can access the property without setting off the alarm.

Some tenants will be okay with this, and some will not. You can find more information about this topic at RentPrep.com. Also check with the laws in your state.  

Contact Texas Security & Surveillance, an Austin alarm company to learn more security systems and monitoring for your rental property.