Enhance Your Home Protection with Smart Home Devices

Technology is ever evolving, and there are now numerous products, applications, and systems on the market that can help keep homeowners, their loved ones, and their properties safe. According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage is one of the most common and costliest disasters your home can experience, costing billions of dollars annually. Other common homeowners insurance claims include house fires and burglary.

The information in this article can help understand the different purposes of smart home devices on the market.

Whether it’s a burst pipe or a leaky roof, water damage of any size can lead to costly damage and mold growth. These issues can be hard to spot with the naked eye, so installing a water leak detector can be a great way to ensure you never miss a thing.

Water leak detectors are designed to be placed near potential trouble spots – such as water heaters or under sinks – to identify leaks and alert you immediately via your smartphone. This way, you can take action and make any necessary repairs before the issue turns into something more serious.

Traditional smoke detectors are essential in any home and do their job well. If you are looking for additional peace-of-mind, there is a wide range of fire safety smart devices on the market that can help prevent a fire and offer live-saving features.

Smart smoke detectors can be wired into your home system to detect a potential fire and send alarm notifications directly to your smartphone. This way, even if you are not at home, you will know if something is wrong at your house and can contact your local fire department for assistance. Some smart devices are even monitored by a central station and will alert the fire department for you.

Other smart devices can work to prevent electrical fires in the home. Similar to the technology used by water leak detection devices, these smart devices are plugged into outlets throughout your home and monitor potential electrical fire hazards. With an app on your smartphone, you can receive reports and alerts about any fire risks that could be caused by electrical wiring.

Smart home security systems integrate cameras, motion sensors, and alarms to help keep your home safe. Devices on the market are able to provide real-time video and audio feeds to monitor your property from anywhere via your smartphone. Many devices can also be set up to alert local police if needed.

Timers and motion-sensing capabilities for exterior lighting are other great ways to help secure your home. Setting a timer for your lights can make it appear that people are home, even when you may be away on vacation or out for the evening. Motion sensors can be a strong deterrent for would-be thieves, and an indicator to the homeowner that someone is outside.

Investing in smart home devices is not just a matter of increased convenience – it’s also about protecting your loved ones and your property. From early detection of water leaks to enhanced security, these devices offer solutions to help prevent significant damage and ease your conscience.

• “How to protect your home from water damage.” Insurance Information Institute, https://www.iii.org/article/how-protect-your-home-water-damage. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.

This information is provided solely as an insurance risk management tool. It is provided with the understanding that the member insurance companies of the Utica National Insurance Group are not providing legal advice, or any other professional services or advice. Utica shall have no liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the use of this information. You are encouraged to consult an attorney or other professional for advice on these issues.

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