The end of the year is a time for reflecting and setting goals, and one important goal you can accomplish in 2019 is taking a few simple steps to ensure your family’s safety. Home security is one of those things many of us don’t think about until after something bad has already happened, but a little forethought now could save you from major headaches down the line. From home surveillance to monitoring services and more, here’s how Orlando residents can better protect their homes next year.

SEE ALSO: See how automation can keep your home secure

INSTALL SMART LOCKS ON YOUR DOORS

It’s time for a digital upgrade for your home’s doors. Smart locks either require a code to be unlocked or can be unlocked through an app, making them a much stronger security measure than regular locks.

There are other security benefits from smart locks as well. If you’re out of town but you know someone is stopping by your home, you can give them the code instead of needing to stash a key somewhere where a potential intruder could find it.

You can also program your locks to automatically turn on or off at certain times of the day, making it less likely you’ll accidentally leave a door unlocked and invite potential trouble. Finally, you can link your locks to your home’s existing automation system and program them to unlock in the event of a fire, saving you much-needed time if an emergency occurs.

UPGRADE YOUR FIRE AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS

A complete approach to home security means planning for more than potential intruders; fire and other hazards need to be accounted for as well. 2019 is the year to make sure your fire and carbon monoxide alarms can handle your security needs.

Newer fire alarms can be integrated with other automation systems in your home and trigger your doors to unlock if a fire is detected. Every second counts when it comes to getting your family out of the house, and those automated systems could save your life.

To be prepared for carbon monoxide, you’ll want a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your house. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 2,200 people in the United States died from carbon monoxide poisoning between 2010 and 2015, so proper preventative measures should be taken. Another step to consider is switching to an automated HVAC system that can shut itself off in the event of a fire, thereby minimizing the spread of smoke throughout your home.

GET A PROFESSIONAL MONITORING SERVICE

The best, easiest way to ensure your home’s safety is to have someone else watch your home when you can’t with a home surveillance system. Professional monitoring services from a company like Safe Home Security can be an invaluable security tool, especially for times when you or your family are away from home.

Traditional alarm companies may not respond in time for you to act if an emergency occurs, whereas our security professionals will alert you the moment we detect anything amiss. In addition to home surveillance solutions, Safe Home Security can help protect Orlando homeowners from fire, carbon monoxide poisoning and much more. To learn more about how we can give you greater peace of mind at home, call us at 800-833-3211 or visit our website.

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