The Best Security System for Your New York Home

When people think of New York, they often think of New York City. And while the Big Apple is a must-see for anyone visiting, New York state is so much more than just one city. Venture outside of New York City and you’ll find outdoor attractions like the Catskills and Niagra Falls, small towns and large cities, and a bustling economy.

In short—New York is a great place to call home. If you live in New York or are considering a move to the area, a home security system can help protect your family and your home. Read on to find out how to choose the best system for your New York home.

Home security systems for New York residents

Shopping for a home security system means lots of options that can be difficult to narrow down. But the best home security systems will include basic features.

A comprehensive alarm system should include the following:

Security sensors

Sensors alert homeowners to unauthorized access and emergencies that occur in the house. These security sensors are usually placed in areas of entry and sound an alarm if they’re triggered while your system is armed.

Security sensors for your home include:

• Door and window sensors that will trip the burglar alarm if someone opens a door or window.
• Glass-break sensors to detect the decibel level of breaking glass and sound the alarm.
• Motion sensors, which can be stand-alone devices or placed within other devices, like cameras or lights. They detect motion in a specified area and will also trip the alarm when the system is set.

Safety alarms

Safety alarms help protect against environmental threats, such as fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. These alarms are a must and include:

• Fire alarms. The state of New York has specific laws about where to put your smoke detectors, so make sure you or your landlord are up to code. These alarms save lives—over half of all deaths from home fires occurred in homes with no smoke alarms, or non-working ones.
• Carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, odorless, tasteless gas, which means the only way you can detect it is with a carbon monoxide detector. In New York, CO detectors are required in all homes and should be placed in the same locations as fire alarms.
• Water sensors may not be life-saving, but they can definitely save your wallet. The average insurance claim from water damage average is $11,098, and many start from leaks or burst pipes that go unnoticed. Water sensors are small devices placed in areas prone to leaks. If water is detected, you’ll get a notification on your phone so you can take action right away.

Security camera systems

Many homes today have some type of surveillance camera on the property, whether it’s a video doorbell, nanny cam, or outdoor camera. These surveillance cameras allow you to see what’s going on around your home at any given time throughout the day or night.

Cameras to consider for your system include:

• Doorbell cameras allow you to answer the door from your phone and see and speak to the person at your doorstep. They include motion sensors that send you a notification any time there is activity at your front entrance area.
• Outdoor cameras are helpful for monitoring your yard or outbuildings, as well as keeping an eye on areas outside you want to limit access to, such as a swimming pool or pond.
• Indoor cameras help you monitor children, pets, elderly family members, or any area in your home that is off-limits, such as gun safes or liquor cabinets.

You can also find security cameras that have additional features to help protect your home. Vivint’s security cameras, for example, include warning lights and sounds that proactively deter package thieves and lurkers on your property.

With any security camera, you’ll also want to consider storage. Cloud storage is the best option if you have multiple cameras or want to record footage 24/7 and then review it later. These typically store more footage than USB cards, and you can access your footage from any location.

24/7 alarm monitoring

Home security systems are either self-monitored or professionally monitored. Smart home security systems send notifications to your phone anytime a security sensor or safety alarm in your house is activated.

If your security solutions also include professional monitoring, the monitoring center is also contacted immediately, and they will contact emergency services on your behalf.

If your system is self-monitored, it will be up to you to determine whether or not there is a real threat or a false alarm, and you can then call for help if needed. Obviously, this can be difficult when you’re not home or are injured or otherwise unable to get to your phone.

Professionally monitored systems provide the most protection and peace of mind, which is why many homeowners opt for home security companies that include monitoring services.

Smart home automation any New Yorker can use

Home automation is everywhere. From vacuum robots to automatic lighting to smart thermostats, there are hundreds of smart devices for your home. These devices allow you to automate or remotely control various devices, systems, and tasks around your home.

Because most security systems also have smart home features, like remote monitoring or alerts on your phone, many people like to include smart home automation with their security systems.

Some of the most popular smart home devices include:

• Smart thermostats that automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on your location and preferences, ensuring you’re comfortable at home and saving energy and money while you’re away.
• Smart locks that allow you to unlock your door with your smartphone or a unique code—no more hidden keys or having to call a locksmith if you get locked out.
• Garage door control that notifies you if your garage door is left open, then lets you close it right from your app.
• Smart lighting you can turn on, off, or dim right from your phone. You can also automate it so it turns on and off automatically at certain times or after certain actions; for example, setting your entryway lights to turn on when you unlock the front door.
• Smart assistants like Google Home that provide hands-free control of your smart home, allowing you to perform actions like adjusting your temperature or lights with your voice.

Many people already have some type of smart device in their homes. Vivint works with many of the most popular smart home devices, including Nest Thermostats and Google Home ensuring seamless integration with your new system.

Smart home control

Your smart home security system should include a way to control and monitor your system while you’re home and while you’re away. Look for alarm companies that offer:

• Control panel or keypad that allows you to arm and disarm your system and check the status of various systems and devices in your home. With the Vivint Hub, for example, you can control your entire smart home from a single location, whether it’s adjusting your home’s temperature, viewing camera footage, or locking your front door.
• Mobile app that gives you access to your home while you’re away. The Vivint App is one of the top-rated apps in the industry and lets you answer your front door, adjust lighting, arm your security system, and more, whether you’re in a different room or a different state.

Make sure the alarm company you choose offers smart home control via keypads and mobile apps that are simple to use for everyone in the family and also allow anyone to get help when needed. With the Vivint Smart Hub, for example, one-touch emergency callouts connect you to the monitoring center with a single touch.

Security systems for renters

Over two-thirds of all New York City residents rent their homes, which begs the question—can you still have a security system if you’re a renter? The answer is yes!

Before you make any changes to your home, make sure your landlord is ok with you having a security system. Many won’t mind at all, and others may just ask you to make sure everything is as it was before you moved; for example, patching any holes from wiring.

What if you move? Some security companies, like Vivint, also provide options to move your system into your new home, making Vivint a smart choice for renters who are planning on moving in the next few years.

Security systems near me

Whether you live in the heart of the city, a farm upstate, or anywhere in between, there’s a security system in New York that can meet your needs.

Albany

Living in Albany, located in upstate New York, means something for everyone. If you love the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ll enjoy close poximity to New York City; if you prefer the great outdoors, you’re a quick day trip away from the natural beauty of the Adirondaks.

But living in Albany also means a higher crime rate than the state as a whole; in fact, the state’s capital city has over twice the crime rate of the state, making a security system for your Albany home a must.

Buffalo

Buffalo is rated one of the top places to live and retire in the US, thanks to a lower cost of living, more affordable housing, and close proximity to recreational opportunities, including Lake Erie and Niagra Falls, which is just a couple hours away.

While you’re out enjoying all the area has to offer, a smart home security system in Buffalo will keep you connected to your home wherever you are.

New York City and surrounding areas

There’s a reason New York City has the honor of being the #1 most visited city in the US. Living in NYC and Long Island means no shortage of sights, shopping, food, and things to do.

Like any metropolitan area, crime is always a concern. And just like tourists, New Yorkers need to be aware of crime statistics and take precautions to protect their homes. A security system for your Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, or Staten Island home will help protect it and your family around the clock.

Why you need a Vivint system for your New York home

When it comes to keep your home and family safe, you want the best—and Vivint is the best. In addition to state-of-the-art smart security devices, take a look at a few of the reasons why families consistently choose Vivint to protect their homes:

• Customizable. With Vivint, there’s a system for every budget. You can customize your smart home with the devices and services your home and family actually needs, which means you won’t get stuck with something you’ll never use or don’t need.
• Professional installation with every system. No need to try and DIY your security system. Professional installation from our licensed Smart Home Pros is included with all Vivint security systems, so you can be sure everything is up and running the way it should.
• 24/7 monitoring from our monitoring and support specialists ensures your home is protected around the clock. And if we can’t reach you, we’ll send first responders to your home.

Getting started with Vivint is easy. Contact us at 800.646.1469 today and let Vivint help protect your New York home.