Protect your home with 20% off Kim's home security pick - and a month of free monitoring
I get calls, emails and messages all the time about home security. If you’re not protecting your home, you really should.
Sure, belongings are replaceable, but I know you have a few things at home — from family heirlooms to a piece of precious jewelry — that you can’t just pop into a store to buy again.
And then there’s your family. You want the peace of mind that they are safe and sound around the clock.
For years, I’ve recommended our sponsor, SimpliSafe. You order everything you need online, then set it up yourself in about 30 minutes. It’s super easy. That means no salesperson or installation crew bugging you.
Even better, I negotiated a deal just for you. For a limited time, save 20% on your SimpliSafe security system, and get your first month free when you sign up for Interactive Monitoring.
SimpliSafe’s award-winning system has an arsenal of sensors and cameras that protect every inch of your home. Tap or click here to see the five sensors we recommend once you’re ready to start shopping.
Then SimpliSafe’s security specialists take over, monitoring your home around the clock and ready to send emergency help the moment there’s an alarm. You can monitor it all from the easy-to-use app.
When you need them most, SimpliSafe is there 24/7, with experts trained to not only keep you safe but to make you feel safe. It’s one of the many reasons U.S. News recently called SimpliSafe “the best home security of 2021.”
Save 20% on your system and get your first month of Interactive Monitoring free. It really is a great deal. If you’ve been putting off the decision to keep a virtual on your home, stop waiting. The time is now.
5 uses for security cameras you never thought of before now
Think about all of the valuable possessions inside your home. Jewelry, big-screen televisions, maybe some high-priced artwork, to name a few things.
With treasured items like these, it’s no wonder thieves are always trying to break in and rip us off. They don’t even always wait for you to be out of town on vacation. Sometimes they have the nerve to sneak inside while we’re asleep at night.
Home security 101: The best and worst places to set up motion sensors
If you want to build a robust home security system, motion sensors are a must. They let you know when an intruder has already breached your defenses so you aren’t taken by surprise. With their help, you can formulate a plan of defense and take action.
Anyone can see the layout of your home and what you paid for it - Do this to stay safe
There’s more information about you online than you probably realize. Your hacked passwords, your address, even your credit card details.
Details about your home are everywhere, too. Government sites and resources like Zillow and Redfin list everything from what you paid to the very layout of your house.
Own a video doorbell? Watch out for thieves
Video doorbells are supposed to be the future of home security. They allow us to see what’s going on outside our front door, whether we’re at home or far away.
Thieves are supposed to see this kind of security system and be deterred. But what happens when criminals get a little too bold with your tech?
10 most-stolen dog breeds and 3 smart ways to protect your furry friend
Few things terrify a pet owner more than finding out their furry friend disappeared. In the U.S., around four million dogs go missing each year. Pet owners have a lot to worry about: medication, closing gates, so the dogs don’t get out and even outright kidnappings.
Review: Smart locks from August, Yale
Just about everything in your home, from your thermostat to your refrigerator and coffee table, has been given the smart home treatment. While many smart home gadgets are meant for convenience, others are designed with security in mind.
Have a SimpliSafe system? There's a brand new HD outdoor camera to add to your home's arsenal
When it comes to home security, you need a company you can trust. Traditional home security companies are all about the bottom line. You work with a salesperson to find a system, someone comes over to install it, then you’re locked into a long contract with high monthly fees.
Bad news: Popular home security system can be disarmed remotely
Keeping your family safe is the most important thing you can do. There are several options available to help, with the smartest being a home security system. Some systems have Wi-Fi-enabled cameras so that you can see what is going on, even when you’re not home. Tap or click here to see how to install cameras that upload right to the cloud.
Security tip: How to choose and install cameras that upload right to the cloud
Picture this: You’re sleeping soundly in your bed one night. Suddenly, shattering glass jerks you awake. If a burglar’s combing through your home and snatching up your valuables, your mind’s probably racing 100 miles per hour.
Ring just made its biggest security change in years - Here's how to enable it
Ring cameras are incredibly useful to see what is going on in your house or in the backyard. By connecting them to your Wi-Fi network, you can see who is at the front door right from your mobile device.
While these video doorbells are a great way to fend off porch pirates, you shouldn’t leave your total home security up to them. Tap or click here for our home security comparison: DIY options vs. traditional home security.
Ding, dong: 6 funniest moments caught by video doorbells
Sure, you probably know all about the ways doorbell cameras like SimpliSafe can boost your home security system. Connect them to your phone, and you get a 24/7 live stream of everything going on in your home. With these nifty tools, you can catch burglars, find missing children and even tell your neighbors about a fire.
Keep an eye on your packages, pets and entryway with Kim's video doorbell pick
Ever wonder what really goes on at your front porch when you’re away from home? You probably think not much could happen when you go for a quick trip to the gym or to pick up your kids from school. But you’ll never really know if you don’t monitor and take control of your privacy and security.
The best way to keep an eye on your pets inside and out
Pets are notorious for causing a stir when their owners are away. When you drive off, dogs might bark so loudly they bother the neighbors. Cats might scratch the sofa to punish you for leaving.
Animals have many methods for messing up the house when you’re away. Sometimes, you may return home and walk into such an outrageous mess you can’t help but wonder, “How on Earth did that happen?”
6 essential features you need in a home security system
Most people who don’t have home security systems yet are probably still planning on installing one in the future. How many times have you left your home thinking, “I wish I had some kind of protection system in place?”
If you have one of these security cameras, turn it off now
Security cameras in your home are a great way to keep track of what is going on around you. Some allow you to check-in with mobile devices through various functions — providing a live feed of any activity. Tap or click here for five uses for security cameras you never thought of before now.
New rankings: Top 25 companies to work for in the US
The pandemic has changed the way we work. While people have been going back to the office, some jobs have become permanently remote. Offices have moved into smaller spaces and most meetings are still taking place virtually.
5 hidden Google Nest Cam settings you need to use
Having a personal butler at your front door is convenient, especially if you are worried about safety and security. But few can afford to employ an Alfred or a Belvedere. As an alternative, many have been turning to Google Nest’s smart cameras and doorbells.
Home security comparison: DIY options vs. traditional home security
With so many cybersecurity threats out there you might be focused on protecting your digital life. Even though that’s important, only paying attention to online threats is a huge mistake.
That’s because burglars are still out there in full force looking to invade your home and rip you off. This means having a home security system that you can trust watching your back 24/7 is extremely important.
Headed back to the office? Best way to keep an eye on your home from anywhere
You know the stress of being a parent. When the kids were young, you jumped at every sneeze, cough and wobbly step.
Now that they’re young adults or teenagers, there are different stresses. Are they driving while distracted by texts and social media messages? At home, are they safe? Are they being responsible for getting home on time from school, not raiding your liquor cabinet and staying out of trouble?