Though modern parents have become adept at childproofing their homes, home safety and preventing injuries and accidents require more than just childproofing. As children grow, new risks need to be planned for.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control reveals that accidental injuries are the leading cause of death for children from one year of age through age 17 and that unsecured firearms are the leading cause of accidental injuries. Between 2002 and 2021, almost 1,300 of these injuries were fatal.
Most such accidents occur in the home–and while firearms are involved in many of these injuries, there are other items that adults need to secure, as well, such as medications and valuables. That’s where technological advances such as smart sensors can make a difference.
How Smart Motion Sensors Improve Home Safety
Smart sensors have a feature that traditional locks lack. They can send real-time alerts to a homeowner’s phone when a restricted area is accessed. This allows homeowners to safely monitor firearms safes and storage cabinets, medicine cabinets, alcohol shelves, wine racks, and storage locations for collectibles and personal items of high value or hidden cash and jewelry.
Smart sensors are wireless and easy to use, and some don’t require complex installation. Nicky Zabetian, co-founder of Kinisium, a leading provider of smart sensors, cites this as one of the key advantages of their product: “What sets us apart is that our product doesn’t require any installation and can be used in a wide variety of ways to alert gun owners via text message when their gun safe is opened.”
Besides improving home safety, smart sensors can be essential in legal compliance. Thirty-five states have Child Access Prevention (CAP) laws that specify legal penalties for gun owners who do not sufficiently secure firearms to prevent children from accessing them.
Other Uses of Smart Sensors: Keeping Your Home Safe
Smart sensors are ideal for giving homeowners a heads-up when a child is opening their gun safe, jewelry chest, medicine cabinet, wine cellar, or secret stash of rare collectibles. However, installing smart sensors at windows and doors can help prevent breaking and entering and notify homeowners and residents when someone unexpected is trying to enter the home. Smart sensors in the kitchen and other strategic locations can also warn early about fire or other home hazards.
Smart sensor systems are beginning to be more widely adopted in American homes. In 2023, about 39 million US homes–just under one-third of American households–had an alarm system, and 51 million had a video surveillance system. Over two-thirds of US homes have at least one smart home device, but many are for entertainment (such as a smart TV or speakers) or comfort (a smart thermostat, for example) rather than home security.
Also, many homes with video or smart sensor surveillance of their front door as a preventative measure against external hazards like break-ins don’t yet have additional smart sensor systems to watch internal hazards like firearms and medicine cabinets. Expanding smart sensor use for this purpose can provide added security and peace of mind–for parents, collectors, homeowners, and tenants.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or safety advice. The use of smart sensors to enhance home safety should be done in accordance with local laws and regulations. Homeowners are encouraged to consult with professionals for specific advice on securing firearms, medications, and other valuables.
Published by Jeremy S.
