As all of Crestron’s commercial and home solutions are Integrated by Design™, the environments that the company creates are not only exquisite, but also provide greater convenience, ease and control to the end-user. With most people using multiple devices for a variety of different tasks and entertainment, consolidating all of these into a single interface is precisely the type of simplicity the world wants. In a recent interview with Joyce Essig, PR Manager at Crestron, we were given the opportunity to learn more about Crestron’s business philosophy and what makes them stand out among so many others in the building automation industry

Jeremy (HAS): What is the most important reason why homeowners choose Crestron’s products?

Joyce (Crestron): We have been in business for more than 40 years and we stand behind our product. No other company can deliver the high-performance, high-quality home automation solutions that we design. Everything works together to provide the homeowner with the best user experience.

As the world becomes more digital and an abundance of electronic devices enter our homes, wouldn’t it be great to cut through the clutter and control everything with one simple device. With Crestron, you can control all of your TVs, movie players, music, and monitor and adjust lighting, temperature, shades, and security system – anytime, anywhere from your dedicated Crestrom in-wall or table top touch screens, Mac or PC, or even your Apple or Android smart phones or tablets.

Additional features:

• Schedule and automate repetitive tasks, such as lowering shades, dimming lights, locking/unlocking doors and setting temperature
• Create the perfect environment for different activities, such as watching a movie, entertaining, and sleeping, all at the touch of a button
• Accurately track energy consumption to help reduce carbon footprint and energy costs
• Take control of new technologies as you add them to your home
• Consolidate all wall switches and remote controls on one touch screen interface

Jeremy: Energy efficiency is a big trend these days. In what ways do your systems save homeowners money?

Joyce: In modern homes, Crestron solutions provide reduced energy consumption and a greener environment. Our energy management solutions include lighting/climate control, automated shades, and occupancy and photocell sensors, as well as light management software – Fusion EM^™  energy management software.

Crestron wired and wireless lighting solutions are designed to replace any standard in wall dimmer or switch (on/off). Crestron solutions have a built-in astronomic time clock that can turn outdoor lights on/off based of time of day and season. Custom presets enable most lights to go off, leaving the porch light on. Other potential presets include: pathway buttons turning lights on throughout the hallways of the home to 50%, Panic button turning on all interior lights to 100%, flashing exterior lights, and Vacation mode which gives the home a lived in look while away.

Crestron climate control can help reduce energy costs by maintaining temperature based on occupancy, time of day and outdoor temperature.

Crestron Shading Solutions provide precise, quiet one-touch management of daylight with a complete line of motorized window shades and drapery track systems. Combined with our advanced lighting, climate, AV and security controls, you have a complete home automation solution that maximizes efficiency, convenience and comfort at all times.

Crestron occupancy and photocell sensors deliver powerful and cost-effective solutions for reducing energy costs and enhancing the functionality of lighting and environmental systems.

Jeremy: With what other brands are Crestron’s control systems compatible? 

Joyce: Crestron products are Integrated by Design™ to deliver complete technology solutions. We integrate all systems and devices in homes onto a single open platform so they can communicate and work together seamlessly. We offer the ability to monitor, manage and control ALL technology from one platform, from anywhere, and at any time. By approaching automation this way, there is no finger pointing at other vendors and customers get a system that works together. We do have the flexibility, however, to integrate with other brands including ADT for security and more.

Jeremy: Crestron is known to be a manufacturer of luxury home control systems that are also within the reach of the American middle class. Can you give us a ballpark figure for the cost of a home control system that includes basic audio, lighting, air conditioning and security controls for an average size four-bedroom home?

Joyce: Crestron solutions are infinitely scalable. Homeowners can start out with basic home automation system (which would include a control processor, lighting dimmers, occupancy sensors, security and HVAC control, plus our mobile app for their Apple or Android mobile devices (cell, tablet) to control everything tied into the system. A four bedroom system as described can start at around $5K-$8K (not including installation/programming costs).

Big companies like Microsoft and Comcast are now joining the home automation space. Has this affected the development and innovation of your product lines at all?

Joyce: We are aware of what companies are starting to offer solutions in the home automation space, however, we are focused on engineering the best home automation solutions using the latest digital technology.

Keyless locks are the product of advances in technology and improvements in security. Security risks with keyed locks include lost keys, copied keys, picked locks, lock “bumping,” or forced entry, which iseasier with a mechanical lock.

Some of the biggest safety advantages of electronic locks are simply that they do not require a key. They are also harder to pick or bump since they do not operate with tumblers.

Battery Operated Locks

Battery operated locks are less expensive than locks that operate through electricity, and usually run on AA batteries. They offer all the same safety features of electric-based locks, and unlike electric locks, will work in a power outage. Look for a lock that includes a low battery indicator and a secondary way to gain access such as with a backup key. Always have spare batteries on hand, switching them out quickly to avoid a lock power down.

Look for a key code lock that allows multiple sequential codes varying in lengths greater than four numbers. You will want a lock that voids entry or sounds an alarm after a few failed code tries. An auto-locking feature will lock the door after a few minutes of closing it, adding to the convenience and safety factor of the lock. Some locks also include key fobs to unlock the door for quick entry; however, this can be a security issue if ever lost.

Many of the new locks also have built-in wireless technology for communicating with other devices in your home, such as alarm systems and lighting control. These connect to your broadband router for remote control through a computer or via a smartphone. Integrated lock systems provide greater flexibility since you can unlock and lock doors remotely and program them to respond to triggers set through your alarm.

Fingerprint Locks

Biometric locks can include fingerprint, iris scan or voice recognition. The most common of all biometrics locks is the fingerprint sensor. Look for a lock that can store multiple fingerprints so anyone who you want to have access to your home will. Not all locks will fit on all door types, so be sure to know what kind of door you have.

Look for a fingerprint lock that also has a keypad if there are any issues with the fingerprint scan. Some locks include a back-up key and remote control for unlocking it easily from a distance.

Flexibility

Without the need for keys, the flexibility electronic locks offer homeowners is clear. You will never have to worry about your child loosing a key and being locked out or your doors left unlocked while you are in your garden or at the neighbor’s house.  Assign temporary passwords to guests, contractors or anyone who needs access on a limited basis. Once they no longer need that access, remove their privileges.

Reinforcing Door Security

When selecting electronic door locks, as with standard hardware, be sure to use Grade 1 or Grade 2 locks on all exterior doors. Reinforce doors by replacing standard plates that come with locks with a high security strike box. Use at least 3-inch long wood screws to secure the box into the door frame and not just the frame molding. This reinforced the lock and the door giving it a better chance against kick-in.

Reinforced door security should be included in an overall layered approach to home security that includes security savvy lighting, landscaping, window locks, adding an alarm system and even home surveillance.

Choosing a Location

• Once you’ve narrowed your search, note the part of town and cross streets. Trip Advisor and many other travel sites have guest reviews that can help you determine what a hotel is like. Or call the local police to ask about the hotel’s location. Using a travel agent who’s familiar with your destination is also very helpful. If you’re traveling internationally, contact the in-country U.S. Embassy’s Security Office.
  

Arriving and Checking in

• When you arrive, check things out. Is the surrounding neighborhood run down? Are there loiterers in the parking lot? Is there adequate lighting, is the parking lot gated or guarded?
• Are rooms on the ground floor or open toward the parking lot? If so, request a room on the 2^nd level or higher facing the interior courtyard area, these are safer than rooms off the parking lot or on the ground floor.  Be extra cautious of rooms shrouded by landscaping.
• Rooms closer to the elevator or ice machine, where people frequent, are safer but may also be louder. Avoid rooms too close to the stairs where someone could hide or use as a quick get-away.
• Ask the desk attendant not to say your room number out loud, but to write it down. If you believe anyone near by heard your room number, don’t be afraid to ask for a new one.
• Be aware of your belongings during this time. Keep your baggage with you unless the hotel offers a porter service. Busy lobbies can be ideal for thieves looking to move in on unattended luggage.
• Pick up a hotel business card at the front desk before leaving. Keep this with you wherever you go. It will come in handy if you get lost or need to use a cab and don’t remember the exact location of your hotel. Many travel destinations have more than one “Hilton” in town.
  

Getting Settled

• Once you’ve found your room, it’s time to inspect it. Does it have patio doors or windows accessible from the outside? Does it have working locks? If so, be sure to use them. Is there a door leading to an adjoining room? If your travel companions aren’t using it, keep it locked. Does the main door have a deadbolt and a swing lock? If so, use them both while in your room.
• Check the bathroom, closet and behind drapes; make sure the phone dials outside numbers, should you need help.
• As you get settled, familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and escape routes from your room. You won’t have time to locate this information in an emergency.
• If your room has a safe, put your valuables in it; just don’t forget them when you leave to go home.
  

Coming and Going

• Pull the door closed so it latches every time. Hotel doors may seem to close on their own, but may not always latch shut. Not doing this could give anyone walking by access to you and your belongings.
• Never prop your door open, even for a quick run down the hall to the ice machine, always take your key.
• Never just open the door if someone identifies themselves as a hotel employee, call the front desk to verify they sent someone. Don’t just trust anyone in a uniform or with a badge.
• If you don’t absolutely need your room cleaned, notify the front desk not to have housekeeping enter.
• Leave your TV on and use the “do not disturb” sign on your door.  This gives the impression you are in the room, and may deter someone from entering without consent.
• Don’t wear flashy jewelry or show cash in public.
• Be cautious when using elevators alone. Enter last and make your floor selection after everyone else. Be observant of who’s getting on and what floors they’re selecting. If you feel uneasy, get off immediately.
• Keep plans and activities private. Don’t discuss them in public.
• If you arrive at night, ask the front desk for a security escort, especially is you are alone.
  

Parking Lots and Garages

• Park as close to the exit or elevators as you can.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Look around before entering or exiting.
• Use the main hotel entrance when coming in late at night and use the valet service.
• Don’t accept or ask strangers for help in parking garages or lots, seek out a hotel attendant.
• If you are alone, ask for a hotel security escort to your car.

If you’re traveling internationally, there are additional precautions to take depending on where you’re going. Most travel service providers like travel and rental car agencies, hotels and in-country visitor’s bureaus will provide country-specific security tips. And again, there’s also the U.S. Embassy. Happy Traveling!

It’s easy to take your home office security for granted during working hours; it’s light outside and there’s activity on your street. But, did you know that 62 percent of burglaries happen during the hours of 9 am and 3 pm? That’s when a burglar suspects no one is home.

Burglaries aren’t your only risk. Securing business assets and customer information is critical. Above all, ensuring your personal safety is paramount.  While your clients may be your first priority, be sure to take these simple precautions to avoid becoming a victim while in your home office.

1. Keep doors and windows locked. Burglars are looking for an easy way in. If your home office is in the back or upstairs, you may not hear or see who’s entering and no one wants to be surprised by an intruder. If you work in a back house, studio or converted garage, always keep the door closed and locked.
2. Consider an Alarm System if you don’t have one. Even simple DIY door and window alarms that alert you when one has been opened are better than nothing. These can be placed on all doors and first level windows. A professionally monitored alarm system is recommended, and an absolute must for home business that keep inventory, sell high dollar items, handle cash or keep sensitive client information. There’s an excellent chance it will save you money on your home or business insurance as well. Consult a professional security company that will come and do a customized assessment to meet your specific business and personal needs.
3. Use your Home Security system. So many people who have alarm systems neglect to actually use them when they’re home. Set your system to “stay” or any similar setting so you can roam freely without active motion detectors. Any connected doors and windows will remain active. Your security system can be incredibly valuable while working from home. By alerting you to an intruder, it can buy you valuable time to find a safe exit and notify authorities.
4. Inventory & engrave your equipment. Inventory and photograph all valuable home office equipment including computers, monitors, printers, copiers, cameras, and equipment required for your trade. Keep copies of these items outside of your home, such as in a safe deposit box at the bank. Police suggest you engrave your driver’s license number on the back or bottom of high dollar valuables. This makes them harder to pawn and helps police recover your property easier.
5. Control who comes to your home. Meet new clients at a restaurant until you feel comfortable enough to have them in your home. If repair service is needed for copiers, computers or plumbing, try to have someone home when they arrive, or turn a TV on in another room to give the appearance that you aren’t alone. Get the name of the technician who’ll be coming to your home when you schedule it. If the name doesn’t match their ID, have them wait outside while you call the company. If a service tech calls you directly to set up the appointment, get their information and call the company to verify they’re on staff or are an approved contractor.
6. Secure your computer and home network.  Home security also includes home network security.  Keeping your computers and network secure is easier than you may think. Not securing them could compromise your business and client’s sensitive information, potentially costing you money and customers. Install a home office firewall/router if you don’t already have one. They are available online and at big-box retailers where electronics are sold.
7. Install a home surveillance system.  Security cameras are ideal for keeping an eye on key spots while you work or are away. Watch for deliveries at the front door or monitor inventory storage space. Record and view activity around your home with a remote access service or DVR. Cameras can be easily viewed from your computer as you work or remotely from your smartphone. DIY systems are available or your camera system can be tied into your professionally installed alarm system. Contact a security pro to customize a system to your specific needs.
8. Share your calendar. Let someone, a friend, work partner or spouse know when and with whom you have appointments.
9. Fire/Smoke Alarms. Having a working smoke detector in each room is just the beginning. If you’re considering a home alarm system or already have one, be sure to include monitored fire protection. In the event of a fire, the monitoring center will quickly dispatch the fire department, saving valuable time. Without it, your alarms will only sound. If you aren’t home, you’ll be relying on a neighbor to smell or see smoke before emergency responders are called.  The cost is negligible compared to the price of not having this type of protection. It could be catastrophic to your business. While a burglar discriminates in what he takes, fire will take it all.
10. Fire prevention. Use caution when cooking and working. It’s easy to start something on the stove, go to check email, get distracted and remember an hour later that you were cooking. Have a fire extinguisher available on each floor of your home for an emergency. Don’t overload electrical circuits by using multi-plug adapters. Double check recommended wattage on power strips and never use 3-pronged outlet adapters.
11. 11. Use caution with deliveries. Always properly identify anyone before opening the door. If you don’t need to sign for a package, ask them to leave it on the door step.  If you must sign, never leave the door open to look for a pen and never let the person in your home.

This list is not inclusive of all things that need to be considered for the safety and security of your business, but it’s a good starting point. If you have other ideas not mentioned here, I’d love to hear from you!

Though Iris is not new technology, and home automation is not new to the big box stores, Iris is one of the first home automation systems offered by a big retailer. In addition to offering the hardware, Lowe’s provides a free basic self-monitoring service.

Iris Home Automation Kits

Iris helps make home automation simple and affordable for more consumers than ever before. It can be customized to fit your lifestyle needs and is available in three different starter kits.

Iris Safe & Secure Kit ($179) - Safe & Secure gives you a basic level of home security including a motion detector, contact sensors for doors, windows or cabinets, an Iris Hub and keypad.

Iris Comfort & Control Kit ($179) – Control & Comfort is perfect if you already have an alarm system and want the affordable options and convenience of home automation and energy management. It includes an Iris Hub, programmable smart thermostat and a smart plug for lighting or electronics. Both the thermostat and smart plug can be controlled remotely. Smart plug also reports current usage and historical energy use on the device plugged into it, both help you save energy.

Iris Smart Kit ($299) – The Smart Kit combines the Comfort & Control and Safe & Secure kits into a single solution. This kit includes an Iris Hub, motion detector, 2 window, door or cabinet sensors, a keypad, smart thermostat, smart plug and a range extender.

Iris is not just for homeowners, but would be good for condos and apartments too. Since the system is wireless, there’s no need to worry about running wires and wall holes can be kept to a minimum. Each kit is designed to be installed in about 30 minutes with minimal tools.

Iris can be expanded with additional sensors based on your specific needs. The more devices you add to it will require the use of a range extender, which boosts the network’s ability to communicate to all devices on the system.

Lowe’s is working with many of its vendors that have agreed to provide individual products based on the Iris platform. Some of the companies that will be offering Iris-compatible products include First Alert, Schlage and GE Jasco.

The free service Lowe’s offers sends text alerts when an alarm is triggered, remote control of thermostats, smart plugs and locks. With the addition of Iris-supported surveillance cameras, you can access remote video streaming from your computer or smartphone.

Premium Service

For $10 a month, you can subscribe to Premium services with no long term contract. In addition to text, email or voice message alerts, premium services include Iris Magic. This gives you the ability to “program” your home through the use of cloud-based customized rules and home “modes”.

Lowe’s gives you 2 free months of Premium services and advanced controls after you install your Iris Hub. At the end of the free period you can continue using Premium or change to the free service. Be aware that Iris services are NOT centrally monitored by Lowe’s and is designed exclusively for you to control and monitor the system on your own.

Homes can be managed remotely from any location. Control Iris from your bedroom via your smartphone at night or while away on vacation. Schedule devices to activate or deactivate in certain areas of your home at night; turn on lights and air conditioning or heating before returning home in the evening.

How does Iris work?

Each product in the Iris line has a built-in wireless transmitter that communicates to the encrypted Iris Hub, which gets connected to your home router. The Iris Hub transmits signals from each device to the Iris Cloud where you then access and control the system.

The system is secure, using 128-bit SSL security, the same level of encryption used by banks and other financial institutions.

Iris supports three proven wireless home technologies, Zigbee, Z-Wave and WiFi, utilizing the wireless technology best suited to each product. The Iris cloud remembers the devices connected in your home and sends instructions based on the signal needed. You only need to look for the “Works with Iris” logo when selecting compatible products.

The Iris control application is available for iPhone, iPod, and iPad and Android users. Customers can also sign in to manage their systems by visiting the Iris portal on Lowe’s web site. Iris home automation solutions are available now at Lowes.com and will be stocked in 500 Lowe’s stores at the end of August.

Vitamin D Pro Software

Vitamin D Pro Edition supports multiple web or IP cameras and runs on a Mac or PC. What makes Vitamin D unique is that it uses “smart video” – not just motion detection. Software motion detectors can often trigger false alarms, especially if detecting movement from pets, swaying branches or cars turning around in the driveway.

This sophisticated object recognition capability has only been available in expensive surveillance systems that require hours of configuration by a security expert.

Pattern Recognition

Vitamin D is  “intelligent” software developed and based on a theory of how the brain recognizes patterns. This theory, called Hierarchical Temporal Memory (HTM) is the basis for a new technology from Numenta, a company founded by mobile computing industry pioneers Jeff Hawkins and Donna Dubinsky. HTM allows computers to learn and recognize patterns in very large amounts of complex data accurately.

The system permits you to specify the size and type of objects that will trigger a response. Instead of receiving a notification every time something moves, you can set it to notify only when it detects a person. Set specific pre-established areas of the frame to catch a person walking through a doorway or cars coming into a parking lot.

Rules and Trigers

Setting up rules and triggers through Vitamin D is simple. With its easy-to-use interface, the rule editor gives you options to select what you want to see and what the software should do if a rule is broken. Do you want it to begin recording? Send you a text notification? Sound an alarm?

When rules are established, Vitamin D adds color coded boxes for these. So if your rules are set up to detect a person walking through the frame, every time the software detects this, it will be the same color in each frame. This saves hours of searching though video and makes it easy to find specific events quickly by searching image thumbnails.

Arm or disarm each camera with one click and program an activation delay so you can leave the room or house before your rule notification kicks in.

If you only want to control two cameras, Vitamin D’s Basic Edition is affordable and offers all the features of the Pro Edition. Vitamin D is great for use at home, the office, small retail locations and schools or any other location in need of cost-effective detailed monitoring.

HomeAlarmSystems.com: How long have you been working on home automation projects?

Steve Harris (Think Automatic): I’ve been interested in home automation for many years.  I installed X10 devices in my home and started playing with systems back in 1995, but I first got professionally involved with home automation when I joined Microsoft Research in 1998.  I was in the computer vision group where I wrote vision code for trinocular cameras (think early version of Kinect), but I also wrote code to do sensor fusion.  Multiple sensors including cameras, floor sensors, thumbprint scanners, and pointing devices (including trackpads on laptops) could report events and other status information to a central computer that would combine that information into a cohesive representation of the physical world that other applications could make use of without needing direct knowledge of the sensors involved.

HAS: Energy saving has been a growing interest among home owners, in what ways can the Luminode decrease their bills?

Steve: The Luminode has a built in current sensor which allows for immediate energy auditing.  But more importantly, with the Luminode integrated into the back end learning system it has a sense of what devices and spaces have activity and it can automatically turn off lights and other devices when not in use.

In addition we hope to enter into relationships with power companies to help manage energy demand at peak times, but in a less intrusive way than existing smart grid initiatives some of which that allow power companies to restrict major appliance function.  By having an intelligent layer between the appliances and the power company we believe we can reduce annoyances by allowing the home owner to select particular trade-offs, rather than solely the power companies, to save energy at peak times.

HAS: Can the Luminode smart switch help improve a home’s security by controlling lights at night if no one is home?

Steve: Indeed!  In fact, since the learning algorithm is implemented in a SQL database it remembers your normal activity and can simulate your normal activity when you’re not home.

HAS: Luminode already integrates with several home security panels, which ones will be supported next?

Steve: That is up for debate and suggestion!  Bear in mind that the Luminode doesn’t need to directly integrate with a security or automation panel, although it may be directly integrate-able with some.  Instead the Luminode integrates with our back end through an XML based protocol which is designed to be easily integrated with a variety of other systems and panels.  All that needs to happen to integrate a new panel or device is to create a simple Ruby Gem that can translate the particular panel or device’s protocol back and forth between XML and into our back end, and thus integrate with everything else that is connected to it.

HAS: Are you planning on adding motion sensors or person detectors to the Luminode?

Steve: We already have those features, just not directly on the Luminode.  Instead, since the back end integrates with panels (so far GE’s NetworX security panel, and the Stargate automation panel) it makes use of motion and other sensors that way instead of directly.  In this way a wide variety of devices, not just the Luminode, can make use of your sensor network.

HAS: Do you have an interesting home automation setup at your home that you could share with us?

Steve: Some years ago I did develop a compelling 6 button remote control setup for my home, which I plan to develop into a future product to integrate with the Think Automatic learning system.  The way it worked is that I took a basic, inexpensive, generic IR TV remote called the “TV Buddy Remote” (which by the way has a built in cork screw and bottle opener!) and hooked an IR receiver to a small PC that I put in my AV cabinet.  That PC also talked out IR, S-Link, and X10.  Then I’d use the TV Buddy to navigate a voice menu that the PC would speak back to you.  In that way you could select different modes that the PC understood such as “music”, “Tivo”, “DVD”, “Lights” and once in that mode the PC would take care of re-mapping the buttons on the TV Buddy to control what mode was selected.  It worked really quite well!  But what I plan to do is create a new simple 6 or 8 button two-way RF remote with a LCD screen to display the mode instead of it being spoken from a separate machine.  In that way the remote becomes tightly integrated to the back end enabling it to control many devices.

Please take a look at Think Automatic’s Kickstarter project, help them out and you’ll get something amazing in return 35 people have already backed the project, as of 07/12/2012!

By taking a thief’s view of your home, you can easily spot areas of potential trouble. A prowler casing your neighborhood is looking for some very specific things that will help him get in and get out fast. These include:

1. Overgrown landscape
2. No lighting
3. Open or unlocked windows and doors
4. No visible security sign or window stickers  
5. No outdoor surveillance cameras
6. Newspapers or fliers on driveways or doors
7. Visible and accessible ladders or work tools

Although no home is impervious to burglary, paying attention to these 7 areas can significantly reduce the appeal your home has in the eyes of an intruder.

Overgrown Landscape - Maintain your landscaping with home security in mind. Trim high shrubs and low hanging tree canopies that block the view of doors, walkways or windows from the street. Keep shrubs and bushes to a maximum of 3 feet high, making it harder for Joe-burglar to work your side or back windows without being seen. Large trees should be pruned with branches kept over 8 feet high and several feet away from roof tops and 2^nd story balconies.

No Lighting - Dark side passageways, shadowy entry ways hidden from the street and secluded back or side yards make perfect hiding places. Outdoor lighting deters prowlers who don’t want to be seen.

Add motion or heat sensing lighting to illuminate side and back yards. Porch lights should be set on timers to go on at dusk and off at dawn. A porch light left on all day is a sign of a vacant home. Indoor lighting on timers or a lighting control system is also a good idea if you usually get home after dark or are away in the evenings.

Open Windows – Crooks are looking for the easiest ways in, and an open window is an open invitation. Be sure to close and lock all windows when you leave the house, even for a quick errand.

Remember, thieves do watch neighborhood activity and can strike in the few minutes it takes to pick up the kids from school or run to the store.  

Open windows are the most frequent point of entry during the warm summer months. Secure them with a vent lock or pin that keeps windows from being opened completely, while still allowing cooler air in.

Unlocked Windows/Doors – With 30% of all burglars entering homes through unlocked doors or windows, becoming part of this statistic is completely avoidable. When it comes to your family’s safety, don’t be complacent about this one.

Lock your doors both when you’re home and when you’re away. Most burglars aren’t looking for a confrontation, and neither are you. But with 1 out of 3 residential assaults occurring as a result of burglary, keeping doors and windows locked can help cut down the risk.

No Visible Security Sign or Window Stickers – Homes without a security system are 3 times more likely to be broken into than homes with systems. Thugs want to get in and get out as quickly and quietly as possible. An alarm system with an audible sounder makes that much more difficult.

Alarm signs and window stickers make it clear to a would-be intruder that the potential of being caught is likely. If you have a system and don’t post your sign, you’re losing a big part of the deterrence factor your system offers. So be sure to put that sign out.

No Outdoor Surveillance Cameras- Though most homes don’t have surveillance cameras, they can put a real damper on criminal activity. Surveillance systems that include a video recorder (DVR) can help police identify and capture intruders. A few cameras strategically placed around your property can capture any shady activity it doesn’t deter.

Newspapers or Fliers on Driveways or Doors – In order to maintain a well lived-in look, be sure to pick up newspapers and ad fliers left on your driveway, doors or porch as soon as possible. When you’re away, arrange to have a neighbor pick these items up for you.

Visible and Accessible Ladders or Work Tools – Always keep ladders and tools behind lock and key in a garage or shed. Don’t give a burglar the advantage of a ladder to reach your second story windows or tools to pry open doors.

Be Proactive

Don’t give in to a blasé attitude about your neighborhood.

You may have lived there for years without any trouble, or your real estate agent claims it’s perfectly safe. Just remember, times do change, and according to the FBI, the rate of home burglaries continues to rise. Even the nicest neighborhoods fall prey to burglary.

Being proactive about your home security is the best way to reduce your risk. Take precautions and do all you can to avoid becoming a victim. Making your home so unappealing to a burglar can actually improve your home’s true curb appeal.

Yes, you can even control things at home through your smartphone. Now you can receive reminders to activate your alarm system, remotely activate your air conditioner and view video images of what‘s happening when you aren‘t there.

This technology is not new, but until now was really only available for high end homes with high dollar price tags. We all know how fast technology advances, and now home automation is more affordable and ready to go mainstream.

Last year ADT Security launched its award winning service called ADT Pulse^SM. ADT was one of the first national alarm companies to offer affordable remote alarm control for the masses. A handful of security companies now offer this type of service and more are expected to as it grows in popularity.

Who uses these services?

Automated security has immense advantages. You don’t even need to be tech savvy, to use it. If you already own a smartphone or iPad, you won’t have any trouble.

Here are a few examples of what you can do with the systems.

- Have added comfort in knowing your loved ones have arrived home safely.
- Come home to a cool (or warm), well-lit, secure home, no matter what time of day.
- Leave home with peace of mind that you are in control of your home security while you travel.
- Secure and monitor vacation homes for water leaks, extreme temperature changes or vandals via remote video.
- Look in on aging parents.

Basic Alarm Services

As you might expect, there are varying levels of service and sophistication available to meet a wide range of customer needs. If you are looking to start with the basics, you can.

Companies like ADT, Front Point Security, Alarm.com and Protection One offer basic interactive alarm monitoring. This simply means you can arm or disarm the system remotely, receive email or text notifications from your system, control system settings and view activity logs remotely. Most companies offer free applications for your iPhone, Android and Blackberry. Systems can also be accessed via the web.

What type of notifications does it send? Receive basic alarm status when the system is armed or disarmed, when a door or window sensor has been activated or if a fire alarm is going off.

You can also customize systems to send alerts based on specific programmed triggers. These may include door triggers when your kids get home from school or when a teen is home safe before curfew. See when the cleaning lady arrives and how long she stays.

Energy Management

Being energy efficient at home is a big reason people are turning to interactive alarm systems. Many systems, including ADT Pulse and Alarm.com‘s emPower^TM, allow you to wirelessly connect and control lighting and thermostats through the same system as your alarm.

Schedule lights to go on or off when you are away, turn them on as you drive up the street or when the front door is opened. Set air or heat to go on or off at a certain time each day or control it through alarm triggers such as when a window is opened or closed.

Video Monitoring

According to ABI Research, real-time video is one of the biggest reasons for the increase in consumer demand for home automation services. The market for affordable video surveillance has exploded in the last few years. Business owners are no longer the only ones taking advantage of the benefits it brings.

Adding video monitoring to your interactive alarm system is a natural progression in home security. Not only can you be notified of alarm triggers, but now you can see a real-time video of what triggered that alarm.

See the kids (and their friends) walking in the front door, record the prowler on your property and know if that property damage was really the result of mother nature or a disgruntled service provider.

You can customize this aspect as well. If you want a snap shot every time a guest code is used to deactivate your system, there you go. If you want cameras to roll when an alarm is triggered, it can be done.

Other Options

As more things in the home are designed to interface with the systems, more features and service options are likely to become available.

Alarm.com currently offers electronic door locks that you can control remotely so you’ll never loose track of who you’ve given house keys to. ADT’s Pulse system will soon have these as well.

ADT Pulse offers small appliance control through its system. This is nice for a variety of uses such as turning on small lamps in various locations, turning off the crock pot or turning on the rice cooker. You can also use it to turn on a radio or TV to give the impression of an occupied home, among other uses.

Seek out a Pro

The flexibility and customization of interactive alarm systems is nearly endless. If you can think of a creative way to customize it, it’s sure to be possible.

You’ll get the most out of a system that is installed by a professional who can program it to your specific needs. And you’ll have a “cool new smartphone app” to show off to your friends and neighbors!