How Your Smart Home Can Help You Prepare for the Next Big Storm
As high-tech as our modern homes have become, we’re still at the mercy of Mother Nature every time a big storm rolls through. While you cannot do much to put a stop to strong winds, power outages, and flooding, the right smart home tech can give you an advantage when keeping your home protected in the midst of an emergency.
As you put together your disaster kit and emergency plan, consider these smart home recommendations; they may make the difference between a short-term inconvenience and a long-term disaster.
Stay Connected Even When the Grid Goes Down
Before investing in smart home equipment, make sure to have power to keep them going when needed the most. An uninterrupted power supply (or UPS) is needed to keep your Internet and WiFi running during the next power outage. A UPS can kick in the second the power drops. Even a mid-range device can keep your critical systems running for 12 hours or more.
If you live in an area that’s prone to hurricanes or other natural disasters, consider investing in a small generator. A generator can also keep essential appliances (like the refrigerator, HVAC system, and medical devices) up and running.
Keep an Eye on Your Property, Wherever You Are
Whether hundreds of miles away, or inside the basement, smart cameras can give you a full view of a storm. This immediately helps you to know the difference between a few broken branches and a devastating weather emergency.
Today’s WiFi cameras are affordable and easy to install. Although intended for general home security, their motion-based recording and night-vision capabilities make them an asset when bad weather hits.
Many WiFi cameras are battery-powered, allowing them to function when the power goes out. Their recordings can also come in handy for filing claims with your insurance company. You can check footage from your mobile device no matter where you are, keeping your family safe and informed. More importantly, they can be a lifesaver in the event of an emergency.
Get Alerts When Water Gets In
As you outfit your house with smart home tools, grab a few water sensors to put in key areas. The basement and near the patio doors, are areas where there’s a high risk of water leaks or flooding. These battery-powered sensors are inexpensive and work with almost any smart home hub, making them a valuable addition.
As long as your WiFI is running, water sensors can send your smartphone a notification the instant an emergency arises. This allows you stop leaks in a matter of minutes, potentially avoiding a disastrous water emergency in the process.
The Simplicity of Staying Storm-Safe
The right smart home upgrades not only have a dramatic impact on your productivity, but will also provide the critical safety net to keep your family safe. These devices are simple to use and set up, can be integrated into one system with a smart home hub set up by your local cable or Internet service provider, and save you thousands of dollars in the midst of a weather emergency. They may possibly save you money on your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Check out our other articles for more tips and tricks.