7 Ways to Use a Security System That Have Nothing to Do with Burglars

You bought a new home security system, and that’s cool. But the part of you that looks for the most efficient, best-at-multitasking hardware might wonder, “What else can I do with it?”

We asked that same question, and here’s what we came up with.

If your children are the modern version of “latchkey kids,” you might worry about their safety. A security system with cameras lets you watch as they get home from school, play safely in the yard, and so on.

Some security system cameras even offer video calls—a potential alternative form of contact for kids too young for cells.

However, security systems aren’t a replacement for adult supervision. You’ll still need a guardian or babysitter in the home with young kids at all times.

Is your kid going through a stage where they sneak out?

With enough cameras and door and window sensors, you can make it impossible for them to leave in the middle of the night—at least not without your knowledge.

One of the major benefits of a doorbell camera: it sees everything. And when you have a busy life, that can be super helpful.

Can’t remember if you got the mail today? Unsure if your lawn mowing service showed up this week? Curious which neighbor dropped off that plate of delicious cookies? You can check your camera feed for visual evidence.

You can also use your doorbell camera to see when packages arrive. Or don’t arrive! In the case of mishaps or missing parcels, you can use the footage to dispute shipping conditions or arrival times with the sender.

Got door and window sensors? Add a few more inside your home: on medicine cabinets, liquor cabinets, that drawer of sensitive files, or the door to the master suite.

Your system can notify you anytime someone opens those doors. The idea isn’t necessarily to prevent theft—although that’s a benefit. Instead, you want to create accountability and awareness. If your kid or recently sober spouse is getting into the liquor, or if your in-laws are going into your bedroom when you aren’t home, you won’t have to rely on paranoid suspicions. You’ll know.

Grocery delivery arrived, and you aren’t home? Your sister needs to borrow your ice cream maker, but you’re on vacation, and she doesn’t have a key?

A lot of home security systems come with (or can be attached to) smart locks. You can lock and unlock most of these devices from anywhere, even thousands of miles away.

In short, you can let anyone you want into your house anytime. Just make sure to lock back up again once they leave.

For systems that have smart home functions (like Vivint), you can create a hundred little daily routines that make your life more convenient.

That includes:

• Morning routines like turning on the lights and smart coffee maker and opening the garage
• Bedtime routines like turning off the lights, locking all the doors, and arming the alarm system
• Going-on-vacation routines like arming the system and turning the lights on and off periodically

So here are some new ways you can use your security system:

1. Check on young kiddos
2. Keep your teenagers in
3. Track comings and goings
4. Check for packages
5. Monitor inside doors
6. Unlock the door
7. Smarten up your home

But that’s just what we came up with. We bet you can come up with more, more personalized scenarios. The sky’s the limit!

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