How to Prep Your Smart Home Security for Hurricane Erin

CNET

21 hours ago

As hurricane season continues, it's never been more important to protect your home from natural disasters. Part of that involves the basics, like shuttering windows and bringing in lightweight lawn furniture. But technology also has a key role to play.
Since smart devices and DIY home security setups are increasingly popular, you should know how to use this tech to protect your home in a hurricane, even in the event of evacuation or flooding. Here's what I recommend.
Read more: How Much Money Home Security Tech Can Save You Monthly: We Ran the Numbers
Review the cellular settings on your home security system
SimpliSafe's security base comes with an optional cellular module.
Tyler Lacoma/CNET
Hurricanes are notorious for knocking out power, which creates challenges for smart home devices that need Wi-Fi to control them remotely. Today's security systems frequently come with cellular backup options (as do more advanced security cameras).
As long as cell towers in the region remain operational, cellular and battery backups let you control your home security even if everything else is down. The trick is that it usually costs extra, often with a higher-tier subscription package or similar fee -- think $10 to $15 more than you'd usually pay. I personally believe that's worth it if your area gets frequent hurricane weather.
Check that your smart lock batteries are fresh
Smart locks are excellent for hurricane security.
John Carlsen/CNET
Smart locks can usually be controlled by Bluetooth or a hidden key slot if Wi-Fi is down, but you'll want to make sure the batteries are charged and stay operational if you have to evacuate. If Wi-Fi does come back online after a hurricane, smart locks come with another huge benefit: You can control them from anywhere, giving access to family or neighbors as necessary, and making sure the door remains locked otherwise. Some locks use rechargeable batteries, but most need basic AA batteries.
Set leak detectors in key spots
SwitchBot's leak detector is a little larger, but Wi-Fi ready and easy to place within minutes.
Tyler Lacoma/CNET
Leak detectors are one of my favorite little smart home devices, wireless sensors with long-lasting batteries that use small completed circuits to detect pooling or dripping water around them. Leak detectors can then sound sirens or send app alerts to your phone, letting you know there's an issue.
Sink leak detectors can spot water problems long before homeowners do, making them especially valuable during a hurricane. In case of an evacuation, they may be able to send alerts from afar if they detect water from a broken window or rising flood, providing useful information as long as they remain online.
Keep your security cams out in a protected area
Security cameras can give important feedback if you have to leave during a hurricane, as long as they're in a sheltered area.
Arlo
Today's outdoor security cameras are quite durable and can withstand all kinds of weather when mounted properly. In a hurricane, the main danger is flying objects like tree branches, boards or chairs smashing against security cams and damaging them. But if your camera is in a relatively safe spot, I suggest leaving it up and making sure the battery is charged.
Keeping a security camera online can help you watch for trouble, such as looters, no matter where you are. You can also talk to anyone who visits your home through the two-way audio, even if you had to evacuate. Keeping eyes on your home (and any damage) is particularly valuable if you have a camera that can handle it. If you aren't sure, look for IP weather resistance ratings, like an IP65 feature.
Set detection services through smart speakers
Nest speakers can listen for sirens or broken glass among other emergency detection options.
Chris Monroe/CNET
If you don't have a house packed with security sensors on all the doors and windows, a single smart speaker can take some of the pressure off with a few useful abilities. Certain Nest Hubs and speakers can, with a Nest subscription ($10 per month), pick up key sounds like broken glass or an alarm going off, which could signify problems or issues in the aftermath of a hurricane. Alexa Emergency Assist is similar but can call for help with a voice command for around $6 per month.
Read more: 6 Spots Where Your Home Security Camera Works the Best
If flooding is a concern, elevate your smart devices
Put valuable tech up high if you're worried about the chance of flooding.
Lorex/Amazon
If you live in a flood-prone area and know that nearby houses have suffered from floods during hurricanes, I suggest taking a few minutes to move your smart devices and home tech to the top of shelves or in tall cupboards to protect them from disabling water damage. That includes things like air conditioners, fans, robot vacuums, smart speakers, and home security hubs.
Invest in a waterproof smart safe for the long term
A waterproof smart safe is a must-have for hurricane-prone areas.
Yale
A hurricane-ready home needs a safe with waterproofing capabilities, where you can store documents, valuables, weapons and more. I have a list of my favorite smart home safes, with features like fingerprint access, app warnings about tampering and other surprisingly helpful bonuses, including waterproof and fireproof picks. If you want to be ready for hurricanes for years to come, it's time for a safe like this.
To learn even more about your options, check out my top choices for cheap home security systems, the best home security setups for vacations and the top outdoor security cameras.
Don't miss any of CNET's unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome.