CSA Online by Andrew Moore-Crispin SimpliSafe Simplisafe.com It used to be that getting a whole home security system meant calling one of the big home security companies (you know the ones) and setting up an appointment for a consultation. If you decided to go ahead, a technician would come to your home to drill a few holes, mount some hardware and get everything set up. It also meant contracts. SimpliSafe looked at this model and saw an opportunity to disrupt the industry by distilling and simplifying home security. First, the hardware is considerably less expensive, and the installation costs nothing because you do it yourself, following voice prompts along the way. Don’t worry, it’s pretty easy. If it’s too challenging, you can still get a technician tomake a house call. The heart of the system is a base station that looks like a tech-enabled vase, for want of a better description. This smart hub is the communication point for all of the sensors, cameras, the keypad, key fobs and so on. A system that includes the base station, keypad, two motion sensors and four door/window “entry sensors” − plus an arming/disarming key fob − costs about US$330 to get started. Adding SimpliCam security cameras into the mix to allow for real-time monitoring adds another US$100 per camera, a comparative bargain. The monthly 24/7 monitoring charge is US$14.95. Where DIY home security systems (as opposed tomonitored home security systems) tend to rely on your home Wi-Fi and so are susceptible to connection problems, SimpliSafe has a cellular connection built right in. Even if your home internet goes out, your high-tech security system doesn’t. Security cameras still require Wi-Fi. SimpliSafe isn’t available in Canada just yet but, if you’ve got property south of the border that you’d like to keep an eye on, it might be worth a look. Porch Pirates Ahoy! With the proliferation of online ordering, there’s been a similar rise in package thefts from front doors across North America. So-called “porch pirates” are petty criminals; opportunistic thieves or organized rings of ne’er-dowells who roll around looking for unattended packages left outside by delivery people and not yet picked up by homeowners.They snag these packages and make a quick escape, often running to a waiting vehicle for a quick getaway with their ill-gotten goods. Google the term and you’ll be met with no shortage of videos of porch pirates plying their trade. Video surveillance is the best way to combat porch pirates. Opportunistic thieves don’t plan their crimes, but regular porch pirates will be on the lookout for signs of video surveillance. Even if a package thief does abscond with your stuff, a video can be invaluable in supporting your claim of theft. This is evidence that can be shared with police, as well as with the seller. Often, retailers will send you a new item as an act of goodwill, you just have to share your story (and your video if you have one) with them. When you lock the front door and head out, whether it’s for a few hours or a fewmonths, knowing that your stuff is safe and secure means peace of mind. On the flip side, having to think about or worry about your home and the important things it contains kind of defeats the purpose of getting away. Home security has changed and never more so than in the last few years. It used to be that home security was the domain of a couple of big home alarm and monitoring companies. Today, there are more companies in the game driving competition. Companies new and old are looking for their competitive edge, whether that edge be a lower price, a more innovative product or a combination of the two. In other words, we’re not talking about the same old security systems. Tech to SecureYour Home or HomeAway FromHome 46 | www.snowbirds.org
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