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innovations in smart home security
keep you safe and savvy
By carly Peters
Home security systems used to mean clunky keypads and confusing codes. But with an explosion of
smart home technology, security systems now seamlessly integrate into sleek hubs and apps. While much
of the new tech appeals to the DiY set, professionally installed systems come with added benefits.
“Monitored systems can save you from five to 15 percent on your home insurance,” explains scott Maclaren,
a caa Manitoba insurance Broker. Here’s a look at some of the latest security innovations.
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Video doorbells
let you see, hear
and speak to
visitors at your
door through an
app (your phone
will alert you when
someone pushes
the bell). it also
records people
that ring the bell
while you’re away.
some systems
offer additional
options like
motion detection
and two-way
audio. some smart
home locks let
you lock and
unlock doors with
your phone, and
feature apps that
log who comes
and goes based
on personalized
codes. others
feature keyless
touchpads or will
automatically
lock/unlock when
you move outside
a predefined
perimeter with
your phone. outdoor secu-
rity cameras
send alerts to
your phone the
moment someone
approaches your
door or when they
spot activity in
the yard. High-
tech models
include night
vision, floodlights
or porch lights,
and can tell
the difference
between a passing
car, animal and
person. interior Wi-Fi
cams stream video
to your phone and
send alerts for
motion or noise
detection. some
feature two-way
talk, night vision,
and differentiation
between people
and pets. You can
also set tailored
alerts for things
like kids coming
home or an elderly
parent not getting
out of bed in the
morning. With multiple
home gadgets,
you may need a
centralized control
system. a smart
home hub con-
nects all of your
devices, giving
you one app that
acts as a universal
remote. it also
automates gad-
gets—for example,
unlock a smart
lock and the lights
in your entryway
will automatically
turn on. planning on being
away a few days?
a requirement
of home insur-
ance coverage is
having someone
checking on your
home on a regular
basis. Good to Go
Home check and
commissionaires
Manitoba will
do interior and
exterior property
checks and send
status reports
while you’re on
vacation.
cAA MANITOBA
WINTER 2018
19