After the storms that came through the CSRA on Thursday, I started thinking about how we could prepare for the next storm. Even as our homes become more high-tech, we remain at the mercy of Mother Nature when big storms occur. There is not much we can do to stop high winds, flooding, power outages, etc. However, using the right smart home technology can give us all an edge in keeping our homes protected during an emergency. While you are preparing your home’s emergency supply kits, consider these smart home tech items. They could help your peace of mind during short-term inconveniences and long-term disasters.
Stay Connected, Even When The Power Is Out In Your Neighborhood
Before investing in ANY smart home technology, we need to think of how we will power these items to ensure they keep working when we need them the most. Investing in a generator and transfer switch would be the best way to prepare. However, if purchasing and installing a generator and transfer switch just isn’t possible for you, investing in an Uninterrupted Power Supply, or UPS, would be the next best option. A UPS will keep your internet connection and Wi-Fi working during a localized power outage for up to 12 hours or more!
Living in the South, tropical weather events are always on my mind during the summer and fall. A generator and transfer switch would be the best solution to ensure you keep electrical service during a weather emergency. Obviously, the generator is what creates the electricity. The transfer switch will transfer your home’s main electrical service from the utility company to the generator within seconds of a power outage, ensuring continued electrical service to power your home’s HVAC system, refrigerator, and any medical devices present.
Know What Is Happening With Your Property, No Matter Where You Are
No matter where you are (riding out the storm in your home or hundreds of miles away), a few smart cameras can give you a full view of your home during the storm, letting you see if you’ll be dealing with a few broken tree branches or more devastating damage. The cameras available today are relatively inexpensive and are easy to install. They are generally intended for home security and offer several features, such as night vision and motion activated recording, that can be helpful to you in any emergency. Many are battery operated, which means they still work during power outages. The recordings will also assist you during the claims process when filing insurance claims.
Get Alerts When Water Gets In
Another great Smart Home tech item to have in your home is a water/flood sensor. Placing these sensors in high risk areas will notify you immediately once water starts to get into your home. Basements are uncommon here in the South. But if you are lucky enough to have one, a water sensor is very important for you. Other suggested locations to place water sensors are under sinks, near hot water tanks, in laundry rooms, and near any patio doors. As long as your smart home’s wireless service is working, you will get an immediate notification about water intrusion into your home. These handy little sensors are helpful for more than just severe weather situations, as they will also alert you to plumbing leaks if placed in locations near pipes. This would alert you to the leak immediately so you can address it before it becomes a much more expensive repair.
Staying Storm Safe
While these devices won’t prevent the next weather event, they will help give you peace of mind in knowing that you’re prepared and know exactly what is happening at your home. Smart Home devices are simple to set up and can commonly be connected to a single smart home hub. These devices can all have a dramatic impact on your daily productivity. Also, they can provide a safety net for your family and possibly provide discounts on your homeowner’s insurance.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I would be happy to provide recommendations or suggestions regarding your smart home tech. And as always, If you are in need of a home inspection or would like to hire a certified professional inspector in the Augusta Georgia area, please contact us at PLAN Inspections. We would be thrilled to assist you!