How Florida Homeowners Can Protect Their Properties

The overview of protecting your home:

• Homes without security systems are significantly more likely to be burglarized, prompting many Florida families to adopt smart home security systems for enhanced control and protection.
• Smart home security systems offer real-time notifications, enhanced emergency preparedness, increased energy efficiency, and remote video monitoring, and can even lower homeowner’s insurance costs.
• Security camera options include wired vs. wireless, 1080p vs. 720p resolution, and camera type (bullet, dome, doorbell) for effective home surveillance.
• Smart safety devices, including carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, leak detection, thermostats, and smart light bulbs, add layers of protection and energy efficiency to your home.
• Partnering with a trusted security provider like General Security, which offers versatile and customizable solutions, ensures reliable protection and peace of mind for homeowners.

Like other households across the country, you’re focused on protecting what matters most—your loved ones. A major part of that includes securing your home from outside dangers.

On top of environmental threats such as hurricanes and high humidity, you also have to worry about burglary and theft. While you can only do so much to shield your house from catastrophic weather conditions, there are many effective ways to guard against criminal break-ins.

With the combination of security cameras and a smart home alarm system, you can keep your family and property safe whether you live along Florida’s panhandle, the Keys, or Atlantic coast.  

Why You Should Invest in a Smart Home Security System

Homes without a security system are 300 percent more likely to be burglarized, according to home security resource Alarms.org. 

To thwart these criminals, an increasing number of families are transitioning to smart home security systems, with nearly 50 percent of U.S. households expected to adopt them by 2025.

And for good reason, too.

Powered by Wi-Fi, cellular, Z-wave, and Bluetooth technology, smart home security systems give you unrivaled control over your household’s protection, enabling you to oversee your home security via a mobile app—anywhere, anytime. 

You can lock or unlock doors, review video footage, check the live feed, or dim lights remotely. Plus, automated alerts and monitoring enhance both quality of life and safety.

There are at least five solid reasons for investing in a smart home security system: 

• Receive real-time notifications. A smart home security system with contact sensors offers real-time alerts to safeguard against intrusions, burglaries, and other disturbances. You'll also be notified if a window or door is left ajar for an irregular or unusual amount of time.
• Enhance emergency preparedness. You’ll receive instant alerts from carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, and water sensors if there’s flooding. 24/7 Central Station Monitoring will inform first responders in case of an emergency, as well. 
• Increase your efficiency. Whether it’s a smart thermostat or lights that automatically dim during bedtime, smart home tech brings added energy efficiency to your household.
• Easily monitor your loved ones. You can oversee your home from afar, checking in on children, pets, and or loved ones aging in place. Take a glance at the live feed or make sure appliances aren’t being used when they’re not supposed to. 
• Lower your homeowner’s insurance. Believe it or not, employing a smart home security system can reduce your homeowner’s insurance policy by upwards of 20 percent. 

Home Security Solutions Essential for Every Florida Home

From equipment and pricing to installation and monitoring, a lot weighs on the mind of a Florida homeowner looking to better protect their property. Here are a few basic things you should know about home security systems and their features.

Security Camera Options

Strategically placed security cameras are a major safeguard against theft and burglary. Whether they’re indoors or outdoors, having reliable camera coverage will give you unremitting reassurance. 

Wired vs. Wireless

If you are installing multiple cameras on a larger property, then opt for wired cameras. Operating on a closed platform, they’re incredibly difficult to hack and, typically, have a more stable signal than wireless options.

Alternatively, wireless cameras integrate easily with a smart home system. Plus, their cordless connection makes installation for a DIYer rather simple. Be sure your Wi-Fi network is strong, otherwise you’ll have challenges with reliable camera coverage. 

1080p vs. 720p

Resolution-wise, 720p models are sufficient for most Florida homeowners and cost roughly the same as more advanced cameras. However, if you want higher detail and your system can accommodate greater storage and bandwidth, 1080p may be the best option for you. 1080p’s picture size contains twice as many pixels as 720p, which is a massive benefit when you need long-distance identification or recognition. 

Bullet vs. Dome

Bullet cameras serve as power crime deterrents due to the high visibility of their bullet-like shape. They’re also known for their long range. Dome cameras, on the other hand, are appealing when you want a 360-degree view and prefer a more inconspicuous surveillance tool. Doorbell cameras are also an option. 

Remote Video Monitoring

Security cameras with remote video monitoring (connected through your smartphone) can protect your property and loved ones while helping deter thieves, trespassers, and vandals. Whether you’re away on vacation or at work, you can always check live feeds of your home. 

Motion detection, video analytics, and two-way audio and video communication integrate with a smart home security system, giving you unparalleled management of your household.

• Motion sensors mean your camera only activates when triggered by movement, eliminating unnecessary video footage.
• Video analytics minimize false notifications and alerts by distinguishing between pets or animals, vehicles, or human perpetrators.
• Two-way communication enables you to remotely identify and interact with visitors (or potential porch pirates detected by motion sensors and video analytics). 

Depending on how much of a burden you’d prefer to take on personally, you can either manage all video monitoring yourself or enlist a security provider through Central Station Monitoring. 

Smart Safety Devices

Smart home security systems give Florida homeowners an added suite of benefits through increased safety, convenience, and energy efficiency managed remotely using a mobile app like Alarm.com. 

Carbon Monoxide Detectors & Smoke Alarms

Smart carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms will not only alert you to immediate inhalation and fire dangers, but will also immediately notify first responders, presuming your home utilizes Central Station Monitoring. 

These safety devices ought to be placed on each floor of your home, near sleeping areas and bedrooms. They should also be used to monitor ovens and kitchen stoves, garages where gas-powered vehicles are parked, and basement heating sources. 

Leak Detection & Flood Sensors 

With leak detection and flood sensors secured in flood-prone areas of your house, you can identify high humidity or water before it becomes a major problem.

These notifications are invaluable to Florida homeowners during major weather events such as hurricanes or heavy thunderstorms. Those with seasonal or secondary homes find these safety devices to be especially beneficial when they don’t live nearby.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats can adjust settings based on local weather forecasts. For Florida homeowners, a smart thermostat can anticipate changes in temperature and humidity due to storms or heatwaves and adjust the indoor climate accordingly, ensuring comfort and protecting your home from extreme conditions.

In addition to temperature control, some smart thermostats are also designed to monitor and regulate humidity levels. High humidity, common in Florida, can damage your home and foster mold and mildew growth.

Smart Light Bulbs

Useful both indoors and outdoors, smart light bulbs can be scheduled to mimic occupancy when you are on vacation or away at work. You can even implement motion sensors to illuminate porches, entryways, or driveways (when triggered), adding another layer of protection against potential home invaders. 

Smart safety devices can even be attached to appliances, triggering off switches when not in use or accidentally left on when you’re away, thus saving you money on energy bills. Stove and grill guards provide further assurance. 

Partner With a Trusted Security Provider

While family security needs can vary throughout the year, from spring and summer to fall and winter, the one constant should be a dependable home security provider.

Established more than 30 years ago, General Security remains a family owned and operated business with multiple locations across Florida. We have become a trusted home security provider for Florida families because of our commitment to excellent customer service and unwavering reliability. 

Plus, we offer incredibly versatile and customizable security solutions, even for those on a tighter budget.

When partnering with General Security, you no longer have to worry about shoddy video coverage or inconsistent remote monitoring. With our Central Station Monitoring, we’ll ensure your residential property is protected—whether you're asleep, at work, or on holiday.

Homeownership brings with it a host of worries. General Security will give you peace of mind you didn’t think you could have as a homeowner. You’ll always feel assured your family and home are safe. 

General Security is an industry-leading security provider that specializes in state-of-the-art, professionally installed and DIY residential systems to protect you, your loved ones, and your property.