smartphone mobile security appsYou’re pulling into your office parking lot when suddenly you realize: you forgot to arm your home security system. To make matters worse, the new MacBookPro you just bought is still sitting in its box on top of your desk. You might as well have a put a big red bow around your house for potential burglars targeting your area. But have no fear! There are ways to control your home security system — using your smartphone. Yes, a smartphone isn’t just for listening to music and surfing the Internet; it can actually help you protect your home while you are away.

Here’s how:

Arm your home security system from anywhere

Security systems such as Alarm.Com, Vector Security, and ADT offer smartphone apps to their customers. By using these apps, you would be able to check the status of your home security system anywhere at any time. In addition, homeowners also have the ability to check whether their system is armed or not. If it isn’t, you would be able to activate it right on your smartphone. This functionality will come in handy in the event that your kids forget the passcode or you have to let the neighbor in to walk the dog.

Caught on tape

Smartphone security apps allow you to access live streaming video of your property using your surveillance cameras. You even have the capability to control the cameras so that they pan and tilt, giving you a wider view of your home and property. Keeping an eye on your home while you are away will give you insight into what’s going on when you aren’t there. For example, it’s unlikely that your teenagers will throw a party while you are out for the night if they know you can check up on the house anytime. In addition, these security apps also offer a “history function,” which records events such as what time your cleaning crew arrived and left. If they stayed for 45 minutes when it needed a two-hour cleaning, you’ll know about it.

Up to the minute text alerts

These home security apps will also provide you with important notices such as a sensor that’s not responding. They can send you text alerts if something has tripped your alarm, and if the police have been notified. In addition, if you’ve installed monitors and alarms for smoke, fire, or even flooding, you can receive alerts when these are tripped as well. These alerts will set your mind at ease not only while you’re out grocery shopping, but also when you’re on vacation.

A home security system will keep your family and home safe. However, a smartphone security app will work hand-in-hand with your system to keep you informed. This will give you the peace of mind you deserve when you’re away.