KT for Good: Keep a virtual eye on your home as you holiday

In part 2 of our #BeSummerSafe campaign, we explain how technology can help you holiday tension-free.

The summer break has started and many residents would soon be leaving for their annual vacation. But when you are chilling out at the beach or having snowball fights, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you've locked the front door of your flat in the UAE or turned all the switches off.
The worst thing that can happen when you return from vacation is to see valuables stolen or your favourite piece of furniture destroyed due to a leaking water pipe.
Fret not, for technology helps you keep an eye on your home as you are holidaying hundreds of kilometres away. Some of the several options include remote home monitoring, smart security cameras, smart doorbells, remote LED home lighting, access code home locks, smart appliances, and automatic security gates.
Some of these innovations are designed to ensure safety and help catch criminals on the prowl, while others help prevent mishaps or alert others when an accident occurs. 
Mohammad Meraj Hoda, vice-president of business development (Middle East & Africa) at home security company Ring, said security is one aspect of people's homes that should never be overlooked.
"Instead, home security is something that we need to constantly evaluate and improve upon," he said. "Savvy home invaders will know of all the latest security devices, and they'll avoid homes if they know that they have effective security solutions in place. Sometimes, even just a security sign can deter a thief from breaking in, so get your devices set up, and make sure home intruders know that your home is protected."
According to Hoda, with smart, WiFi connected security devices, "you'll always have home security at your fingertips, and you can respond to and prevent suspicious activity as it happens".
Security experts said smart locks are a great way to add an extra layer of security. They are mostly WiFi or Bluetooth-enabled devices that notifies the home owner when someone comes visiting. It even grants entry to those the owners approve via a smartphone app.
Mohammed Al Mutawa, CEO of AlSaher.com, a security and safety management facility firm in Abu Dhabi, said people going home for the long holiday can use a light timer device. It is a programmable device that switches on lights inside and outside the house as needed. "It is very useful for families with medium sized homes because it will switch on the lights for some time and turn them off as programmed. It helps reduce the risks of possible break-ins."
Al Mutawa said his firm provides a 24/7 control system that alerts the firm and the home owner if there is anything suspicious inside the house. 
"This alarm monitoring service is installed in homes operated through our alarm response centre. It immediately alerts our team at the central monitoring station in case a stranger enters the house, if there is a water or gas leakage, etc," he said. 
ismail@khaleejtimes.com

• KT For Good