Leaving Town for the Holidays? Here’s Why Lighting Control Matters
How Travelers Can Keep Their Homes Safe in Their Absence
It’s that time of year when many people find themselves packing their bags and heading out of town to visit family and friends as they celebrate the season of giving. Unfortunately, criminals are keenly aware of this activity and use it to their advantage by targeting unoccupied homes. The National Crime Victimization Survey found that larceny and robbery increase by about 20% every December.
A standard precaution is setting lights on timers. However, because this act has become so common, thieves use the regularity of lights turning off and on as a sign that no one is home.
There is a better way. It’s called smart lighting control. Here, we’ll explore the benefits it brings and how to ensure a home that appears occupied through the holidays and beyond.
SEE ALSO: Designing with Light: Elevate Your Home’s Aesthetics
Presence Simulation
Law enforcement agencies around the country recommend presence simulation as one of the top ways to protect your home from theft. Statistics demonstrate that a high percentage of residential burglaries occur when no one is home.
One of the best ways to create the perception that someone is home is through smart lighting control. At Prodigy, we program an “Away” button by the door. When you leave for an extended weekend or long holiday, your lighting control system continues to operate just like when you’re present, randomly turning the lights on and off.
These systems also integrate with motorized shades and AV equipment, raising and lowering the shades and turning the TV or audio system on and off, just like when your home is occupied. This activity simulates the same effect as someone moving around your home and is much more effective than scheduled and predictable lighting.
Remote Access
A smart lighting control system gives you access to your home 24/7, letting you see which lights are on via the mobile app. Is a neighbor stopping by to check up on your home when you’re away? One tap on your smartphone turns on the entryway and kitchen lights to welcome them.
Did they alert you to potential trouble in the neighborhood? You can change your outdoor lighting, including entrance and security lights, to illuminate just before dusk and remain on until sunrise.
Integration with Security Systems
When integrated with an intelligent security system, you gain even greater peace of mind. These systems recognize the difference between ordinary events and unusual occurrences. They can distinguish between animals, people, vehicles, and environmental movements caused by an approaching storm.
Should suspicious movement or behavior occur, they zoom in on the area and send you an alert along with a video clip, no matter where you are in the world. At night, they provide proactive security measures by turning on lights when suspect movement occurs. Two-way audio lets you speak to the potential intruder while determining if a call to law enforcement is warranted.
Other Tips for Keeping Your Home Secure
Another common occurrence this time of year is the theft of packages left on people’s porches. Commonly called porch pirating, it rises sharply during the holidays, with thieves rarely caught.
Today’s security systems offer a solution by sending notifications when someone comes to the door. If it’s a delivery driver, you can ask them to place the packages inside the home or garage through the two-way audio system and open either entryway remotely from the app. Once placed inside, you can lock your home back up.
Peace of Mind
Visiting family and friends is one of the greatest joys of the season. By discouraging intruders, you and your loved ones can experience unrivaled peace of mind, making the journey that much sweeter.
At Prodigy, we specialize in making life easier and more enjoyable through the power of smart home automation and easy-to-use technology. To learn more about protecting your home while you’re away for the holidays, contact Prodigy today.
