12 necessities that every home needs

Richard Erickson • October 18, 2023

12 Things You Need For Your Home

Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner, or you’ve just signed a mortgage for the first time in your life, buying a new home is an exciting life event. It’s also a major financial investment. Making sure you’re protecting that investment is a critical part of the home purchase process.

To make things a little easier, we’ve put together a new home must haves checklist to help save you time and make moving a little less daunting. 


Must buy: Smart locks

Changing out the locks throughout your new home should be at the top of your list, whether it's a new build or you’re moving into a pre-owned home.

If you’re looking for an easier and safer way to control when movers come and go, consider installing connected smart locks. Smart locks add convenience to your day-to-day, allowing you to let in trusted visitors remotely without needing to hide a spare key.

Need to unlock your door when you're not there? Consider a video doorbell  when a visitor rings the bell, you can verify who they are via live video on your smartphone through the Alarm.com app. Once you confirm who’s at your door, you can unlock your smart lock from the same video screen.

Must buy: Smart thermostat

Speaking of making your home more energy efficient, a smart thermostat can start saving energy right away, simply by setting your cooling or heating back when you're not home.


Because it's connected to your security system, a smart thermostat knows exactly when you're home or not—ensuring that you get savings when you're away, and comfort when you're there. It also has some very smart extra ways to save you energy, like adjusting its own temperature if a window has been left open when the AC is on to prevent wasting energy


Must buy: New blinds or window treatments

Upgrade your new home’s ambiance (and your privacy) with window treatments or blinds, especially for bedrooms and other areas you may want to keep less exposed (need for privacy instead of less exposed) to the neighborhood. Blinds can also help insulate rooms from drafty windows to keep you warmer during winter months.


Must buy: Fire extinguisher

It’s a good idea to have several fire extinguishers handy throughout your new home, in case of a small fire emergency. Having one of these potentially life-saving devices—and knowing how to use it—could make a huge difference the next time you forget something cooking on the stove.


Must buy: Connected smoke alarms

The last thing you want is a fire emergency, but that’s the exact reason why you need to prepare for it. Smart, connected alarms work together to alert everyone who may be in different areas of your home. Your smart system will also contact the authorities immediately to get you help. And canceling a false alarm is as easy as tapping your smartphone.


Must buy: First aid kit

Pick up a first aid kit before you start unpacking or moving furniture around in your new home, in case there’s any bumps or bruises along the way.


Must buy: Tool kit

It’s a rite of passage for every new homeowner to buy a tool kit: you can’t have fun fixing things around the house unless you have the right tool for every job.


Must buy: Flashlights

Don’t wait until the lights go out to wish you had bought a couple of flashlights beforehand. Add them to your ‘things for the house’ checklist now, so you don’t forget later.

Side note: keep flashlights in easy-to-find areas of the house and don’t forget to stock (and change) the batteries!


Must buy: Video doorbell

Always know who’s at your door, even when you’re not home with the Alarm.com touchless video doorbell. You can see who’s at the door instantly by opening your doorbell’s live video feed. Its HD vision, HDR, and night vision technology ensure you’ll have a clear view while you talk to your visitor over two-way audio.


Must buy: Surge protectors & extension cords

Don’t blow a fuse even if you blow a fuse. Keep new appliances and electronics plugged in safely with surge protectors. And unless you have outlets every couple of feet along the floor, you’ll probably need to pick up a couple of extension cords, too.

Speaking of outlets, installing smart plugs around your home is another quick and easy way to save energy. When you leave devices like TVs, game consoles, and coffee machines plugged in even when they’re “off,” they still draw energy.


Smart plugs eliminate this waste by cutting the power supply to these devices when you don't need them. You can control your smart plugs with your Alarm.com app or a voice-activated Scene, or simply schedule them to turn off at night.


Must buy: Outdoor video cameras & lights

Keep a watchful eye on your property with connected home video surveillance cameras and think about installing motion-sensor outdoor lights for added safety and convenience. See exactly who’s roaming around in the dark—whether it’s a critter welcoming you to the neighborhood or something more serious.


Must buy: Outdoor storage protection

Your outdoor property is a big part of your new home investment and you want to keep it and your belongings, like your lawn mower, grill, or boat sitting in your back yard safe. Specialized outdoor contact sensors work with your connected home security system to keep free standing structures safe. When attached to a gate or shed door, these rugged sensors alert you in the event of movement and you can take action from anywhere.


Best buy: Connected home security system

The latest smart home security systems don't just give you peace of mind; they can also take care of several common problems from day one, making an instant impact on your new home's to-do list.

A smart security system protects and manages your entire home, with a variety of options you can customize like wireless contact sensors for doors and windows and also video cameras with alerts and live streaming. Help avoid damage to your home with safety devices like connected smoke detectors, and a smart water valve that provides alerts and shut-down measures when a water leak, freeze, or floods is detected.

Alarm.com-powered systems are professionally monitored for emergencies and come with proactive intelligence that starts protecting your home and family immediately.

Alarm.com professionals will work with you to customize a smart home security system for your home accessible via the Alarm.com app, which keeps you connected to home with security alerts and more.

Getting connected with an Alarm.com licensed security professional is the fastest way to put your mind at ease and secure your new home properly, whether you’re building your home security system from the ground up, looking to upgrade what’s already been installed, or not sure exactly where to begin.

Protect your new investment from the start and keep your family, property, and all your belongings safe and connected. Welcome home!

Preventing Porch Pirates: Keeping Your Deliveries Safe

By Richard Erickson • November 25, 2024
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The Newest in Home Security for 2025

By Richard Erickson • November 25, 2024
As technology continues to advance, so do the innovations in home security systems. In 2025, homeowners can benefit from a new generation of smart, sophisticated, and highly effective security solutions designed to keep families safe and provide unparalleled peace of mind. Here’s a look at the latest trends and features shaping the future of home security.  AI-Powered Security Systems Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing home security by offering: Advanced Threat Detection : AI-driven systems can differentiate between normal activity (like a pet moving across a room) and potential threats, reducing false alarms. Behavioral Analytics : By learning typical patterns within your household, AI can identify anomalies and alert homeowners or monitoring services immediately. Voice Recognition : Modern systems can use voice recognition to grant or deny access to individuals based on pre-programmed profiles. Next-Level Video Surveillance The latest cameras provide exceptional clarity and functionality: 4K and Beyond : Ultra-high-definition cameras ensure every detail is captured, enhancing facial and license plate recognition capabilities. Thermal Imaging : Detect heat signatures, making it easier to monitor your property in low-light or complete darkness. 360-Degree Coverage : Panoramic cameras eliminate blind spots, offering a full view of your surroundings. Smart Home Integration Security systems are now seamlessly integrating with other smart home devices: Unified Control Hubs : Manage your security, lighting, and HVAC systems from a single app or central hub. Automated Responses : Link your security system to smart locks, lights, and speakers to simulate occupancy or lock down your home during an emergency. Compatibility with Virtual Assistants : Control your system using voice commands through devices like Alexa or Google Home. Biometric Access Controls Traditional keys and codes are being replaced by advanced biometric technology: Fingerprint Scanners : Allow secure, keyless entry. Facial Recognition : Authenticate family members and trusted visitors while denying access to unauthorized individuals. Retinal Scanners : Offer the highest level of security for sensitive areas. Cybersecurity-Enhanced Systems With the increasing interconnectivity of devices, cybersecurity is more critical than ever: Encrypted Networks : Protect your system from hacking attempts. Two-Factor Authentication : Add an extra layer of protection for accessing your system remotely. Regular Firmware Updates : Ensure your devices are protected against the latest threats. Eco-Friendly Security Solutions Sustainability is becoming a focus in the security industry: Solar-Powered Cameras : Reduce your energy usage while maintaining around-the-clock surveillance. Energy-Efficient Devices : New systems are designed to use less power without compromising performance. Recyclable Materials : Many manufacturers are now using eco-friendly materials in their products. Emergency Alert Systems with Enhanced Features Emergency alert systems now offer more personalized and immediate assistance: Wearable Panic Buttons : Provide discreet ways to call for help. Integrated Medical Alerts : Ideal for homes with elderly residents or those with medical conditions. Multi-Platform Alerts : Receive notifications via text, email, and app alerts simultaneously for quicker response times. Why Upgrade in 2025? The advancements in home security systems are not just about keeping pace with technology—they’re about adapting to new challenges and threats. By upgrading to the latest solutions, you ensure: Greater Safety : Protect your home with state-of-the-art technology that stays ahead of intruders. Enhanced Convenience : Enjoy smarter, more intuitive systems that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. Long-Term Value : Invest in a system that’s designed to evolve and adapt to future innovations. Secure Your Future with Emergency Alert Security At Emergency Alert Security, we’re at the forefront of home security technology. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing system or install a brand-new one, our solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs of every household. Contact us today to learn more about the cutting-edge security options available for 2025 and take the first step towards a safer, smarter home.

The Importance of Home Security Systems During the Holidays

By Richard Erickson • November 25, 2024
The holiday season is a time for joy, family gatherings, and festive celebrations. However, it is also a peak time for home burglaries and security threats. With homes often left unattended during travel or bustling with activity, the need for a robust home security system becomes more critical than ever. Here’s why investing in or upgrading your home security system should be at the top of your holiday checklist.  Increased Risk During the Holidays Vacant Homes : Many families travel during the holidays, leaving their homes vulnerable. Burglars are often on the lookout for signs of an empty house, such as accumulated mail or a lack of lights. Busy Schedules : The hustle and bustle of the season can lead to lapses in routine security measures, like locking doors or securing windows. Package Theft : With the rise of online shopping, packages left on doorsteps are a common target for thieves. Porch piracy spikes significantly during the holiday season. How a Security System Protects Your Home 1. 24/7 Monitoring Modern security systems offer round-the-clock monitoring, ensuring that your property is protected whether you’re at home, out shopping, or traveling for the holidays. Professional monitoring services can alert authorities immediately if an issue arises. 2. Smart Technology Integration Smart home security systems allow you to control and monitor your home remotely. Features like live video feeds, motion detection, and smart locks give you peace of mind and control no matter where you are. 3. Deterrence Factor Visible security cameras, alarm systems, and yard signs act as powerful deterrents to would-be burglars. Most intruders will avoid homes with evident security measures. 4. Protection for Deliveries Video doorbells and motion-activated cameras can help you monitor deliveries and deter package thieves. Many systems also allow two-way communication, enabling you to address delivery drivers or suspicious individuals directly. Additional Tips for Holiday Home Security Automate Your Lights : Use smart plugs or timers to create the illusion of an occupied home, even when you’re away. Secure Entry Points : Reinforce doors and windows with locks and sensors that trigger alerts if tampered with. Keep Travel Plans Private : Avoid posting travel details on social media to prevent broadcasting your absence. Alert Neighbors : Inform trusted neighbors of your travel plans so they can keep an eye on your property. Peace of Mind This Holiday Season The holidays should be a time of joy, not worry. A comprehensive home security system provides more than just protection; it offers peace of mind. Knowing that your home and loved ones are safe allows you to focus on what truly matters: celebrating the season with those you care about most. At Emergency Alert Security, we’re committed to helping you safeguard your home this holiday season and beyond. Contact us today to learn more about our advanced security solutions and how they can protect what matters most to you.