Using Smart Home Security Technology to Detect and Deter Unwanted Halloween Frights

IRVING, Texas, Oct. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Halloween is the perfect time to capitalize on the many advantages of smart home security technology, according to Shannon Murphy, vice president of sales and marketing for the Electronic Security Association (ESA).

Smart home systems enable residents to program and remotely control security systems, heating, air conditioning, lighting and electronic devices through their smart phone or computer.

"There was a time when your only way to get a glance at the ghouls and goblins at your door was to look out a small peephole," says Murphy. "With an integrated smart home security system, you can simply use your smart phone to identify friend or foe."

Murphy offers the following tips to help make the most of smart home security systems during Halloween:

1. Monitor the security camera mounted at your front entrance. Not only can it be used to identify trick or treaters before you open the door, it can be used to monitor activity via your smart phone while you are out enjoying the evening with your family and friends.
                                                                     
2. If you plan to stage a spooky Halloween experience by stationing a family member or friend outdoors to hand out treats – position them in a place that can be easily monitored by a security camera.
                                                                     
3. Adjust security camera settings to angle at least one camera toward your driveway or the street entrance to your home. This can help detect and even identify tricksters.
                                                                     
4. As you are pre-planning your trick-or-treat route, pre-program your interior lighting to realistically turn on and off in different rooms and at different times so your house won't look vacant while you are away. If you don't have time, you can use your smart phone to control the lighting while you are out.
                                                                     
5. Use your smart phone to ensure your security system is armed while you are trick or treating with your children – or at your neighborhood Halloween party with friends. You can also use your smart phone to arm your security system if you forgot to do so.

"A professionally-monitored smart home security system can alert you and the appropriate authorities to unusual activity and potential threats," Murphy says. "This is important every day of the year – but provides an added comfort level on holidays such as Halloween."

For more information about smart home security technology and electronic security systems, visit www.alarm.org.

ABOUT THE ELECTRONIC SECURITY ASSOCIATION

Established in 1948, the Electronic Security Association (ESA) is the largest trade association representing the electronic life safety and security industry. Member companies install, integrate and monitor intrusion and fire detection, video surveillance and electronic access control systems for commercial, residential, industrial and governmental clients. In cooperation with an alliance of chapter associations, ESA provides technical and management training, government advocacy and delivers information, advice, tools, and services that members use to grow their businesses and prosper. ESA may be reached at (888) 447-1689 or on the Web at www.ESAweb.org.

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Contact:
Haley Sheram
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SOURCE Electronic Security Association (ESA)

Related Links

http://www.esaweb.org