Smart Home Security and Automation in South Dakota
Apr 24, 2024|
With under 1 million people in the entire state, South Dakota is one of the least populous states in the country. But with beautiful natural landscapes, affordable housing, and vibrant economy, it’s easy to see why South Dakota has become one of the top 5 states for relocation.
If you’re one of the nearly 70% of South Dakota residents that are homeowners, making your home a safe and comfortable place to live is probably a top priority, and a home security system can help. With so many choices when it comes to home security, it can be hard to find the right one.
This guide will help you chose the best home security and automation system for your home and family.
Home security systems for South Dakota residents
Although home security systems vary in price and capabilities, most security systems have standard equipment that works together to protect the inside and outside of your home.
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A comprehensive home surveillance system should include the following components for the greatest protection and peace of mind:
Security sensors
Security sensors trigger the home’s alarm, alerting you to unauthorized entry. The most common sensors include:
Door and window sensors. These are placed on the doors and windows of the home, usually on the first floor. When the system is armed and a door or window is opened, the alarm system is tripped.
Glass break sensors. These typically measure decibel levels of breaking glass, sounding the alarm if a window or glass door is broken. Some glass break sensors are placed directly on the glass and measure vibrations rather than sound.
Motion sensors. Stand-alone motion sensors are placed in areas of the home. When motion is detected in the sensor’s field, it triggers the alarm. Many other smart home and security devices also include motion sensors, such as cameras that begin recording when a person is detected.
Safety alarms
In addition to security sensors, your home will also need safety alarms. While security sensors protect against burglaries and security threats, safety alarms are designed to alert you to potentially life-threatening situations in your home, such as fire.
Your home should include the following safety alarms:
Smoke detectors, which are not only life-saving devices but also required by law in South Dakota.
Carbon monoxide detectors, which are the only way to detect the presence of deadly carbon monoxide gas in your home. A number of states also have laws requiring homes to have CO detectors, and South Dakota is one of them. You can purchase combination fire alarms and CO detectors, like this one from Vivint, that helps protect against both threats.
Water sensors are small devices that are placed by appliances that are prone to leaks, such as washing machines or water heaters. If moisture is detected, they’ll sound an alarm and send a notification to your phone, so you can address the problem before it causes costly damage.
Emergency pendants, also known as medical alert devices, are small pendants worn around the neck or wrist that allows the wearer to contact the monitoring center in an emergency. These are helpful for the elderly or those with medical concerns.
Security cameras and video surveillance
Most home security systems today include video surveillance, whether it’s a camera or two or an entire security camera system.
A few of the different types of security cameras you should consider for your home include:
Doorbell cameras. These cameras allow you to see and speak to anyone who comes to your door, so you can answer your door remotely. You’ll also receive a notification even if they don’t ring the bell, so you’ll know when a package or delivery arrives.
Outdoor cameras. This type of camera is built to withstand inclement weather and can be placed around your yard or property to give you a better view of the outside your home, as well as areas you want to keep an extra eye on, like sheds or swimming pools.
Indoor cameras. These cameras can be moved to different locations around the home, making them useful as nanny cams or pet cams. They are also helpful for keeping an eye on sensitive areas, like a safe or gun cabinet.
You can find a wide range of security cameras to fit your needs, depending on your needs and budget. Some cameras have advanced security features that not only let you see what’s going on, but also proactively deter crime. The Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro, for example, identifies lurkers on your property, then plays a loud sound and illuminates an LED ring, letting the lurker know they’re being recorded.
Monitoring services
All home security systems need some type of alarm monitoring, so you can get the help you need in an emergency. Your system can be self-monitored or professionally monitored.
With a self-monitored system, you are responsible for verifying an alarm is an actual emergency and not a false alarm, and then contacting emergency services yourself. This can be difficult—and sometimes impossible—if you’re not home when an alarm goes off or if you’re injured yourself.
A professionally monitored system provides the best protection and the most peace of mind. The best home security systems include 24/7 alarm monitoring and will contact you and emergency services if needed when an alarm in your home goes off. This way, you can be assured your home is protected around the clock, whether you’re there or not.
Some home security companies, like Vivint, also offer home automation, which makes sense—home automation and security go hand in hand.
Home automation allows you to automate and remotely control many of the devices and systems around your home. The devices are wifi powered, which allows you to control them via a smartphone app.
Automation can include lighting that automatically turn on when you unlock a door, or intelligent thermostats that adjust automatically based on your location. You can also use home automation to trigger different actions; for example, setting your front doors to lock whenever you arm your home security system.
There are hundreds of different smart home devices on the market. Some of the best to consider for your home include:
Smart thermostats learn your temperature preferences, and then adjust automatically based on your location and time of day, helping you to save energy and money while you’re away while ensuring you’re comfortable when you’re home.
Smart locks use a keypad and unique code instead of a physical key, making them a safer and more convenient option than hidden keys or locksmiths. Many smart locks also let you unlock your door with your phone.
Garage door control provides extra security for your garage door by notifying you if your door is open. You can also close it right from your smartphone.
Smart lighting lets you adjust your lighting no matter where you are, helping enhance your home’s security. You can set custom rules, like turning on entry lights when you open the door, adjust your lighting’s brightness from your phone, or create random patterns to give the appearance of being at home.
Hands-free voice control via smart assistants like Google Home or Amazon Echo make it even more convenient to manage your home.
Controlling your smart home
One of the most important aspects of your smart home is the way you manage and access it. Your home should have a single app that controls your devices and systems while you’re away as well as a panel at home that also lets you manage your devices and security.
Vivint, for example, has a top-rated app that lets you control your entire smart home, watch video footage, check alarms, and contact the monitoring center from a single app whether you’re in another room or another state.
At home, Vivint’s Smart Hub also lets you manage your entire smart home. It has an intuitive control panel that is simple to operate and includes one-touch emergency callouts, so you can quickly get help in an emergency.
Security systems near me
Whether you live on a ranch surrounded by land or in the middle of the city, there are South Dakota security solutions to fit your needs.
Sioux Falls and surrounding areas
Sioux Falls is the most populous city in South Dakota, located along the Big Sioux river and home to many attractions and businesses. With a property crime rate nearly double the state’s average, a home security system in Sioux Falls can help keep your home safe from burglaries.
Outside of Sioux Falls, in cities like Brookings, Yankton, and Mitchell are home to the state’s colleges and many well-known historical attractions and museums. A smart home automation and security system will help keep you connected to your home while you’re exploring all the state has to offer.
Northeastern South Dakota
Northeastern South Dakota includes cities like Watertown and Aberdeen that have smaller populations and lower crime rates than some of the larger cities, making them a popular choice for families. With smart home automation and security in Waterton and Aberdeen, you can stay connected to your home no matter where you are.
Rapid City
On the western side of the state is Rapid City, best known as the home to Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, and the Crazy Horse monument. As the second largest city in the state, it also has a high property crime rate that is more than double the state average. A security system in Rapid City will protect your home around the clock.
Why you need a Vivint system for your South Dakota home
When it comes to choosing security services for your home, there are plenty of reasons why Vivint is the best choice:
Professional installation. With Vivint, you don’t have to DIY. Professional security system installation is included with every system, so you have the confidence of knowing your system will work the way it’s intended.
24/7 monitoring. Vivint’s 24/7 monitoring keeps your home protected around the clock. You can have peace of mind that help will arrive as soon as possible.
Service areas. Vivint’s service area covers South Dakota, so if you ever need a technician or help with your system, you can rest easy knowing help is available when you need it.
The state of South Dakota offers both outdoor adventures and urban exploration. Discover more about your home state with this South Dakota travel guide.
Learn about crime in South Dakota and what it means for people who live there. Find out what the crime rates are for the largest cities in South Dakota.
Find out what living in South Dakota is like and which cities meet your needs. Learn about the best locations in this state and what they have to offer.
Qualifying system purchase requires minimum $599.99 expenditure on equipment after all discounts have been applied, professional installation, and execution of Vivint monitoring services agreement. Click here for monthly service plan prices. DIY system purchases and reactivations of previously-installed systems not eligible for offer. Offer not available in all states or provinces. Equipment purchase may be financed separately subject to an agreement with one of Vivint's third-party financing partners. Monthly $1.48 cellular network maintenance fee applies. Taxes and local permit fees may apply.
Third-Party Financing Options Available
Financing eligibility and terms subject to credit approval by one of Vivint's third-party financing partners. Qualified customers may finance equipment purchase at 0% APR for up to 60 months. Month-to-month service agreement available when equipment is purchased upfront.
Vivint Systems & Services
System supports up to six cameras subject to sufficient WiFi speeds. Without a Vivint services plan, product and system functionality is limited (including loss of remote connectivity). Speak to a Vivint representative at the phone number in this offer for complete equipment, services, and package details, including pricing and financing details. Products and services in Louisiana provided by Vivint Louisiana Commercial Certificate #58280. See Vivint license numbers here.
