Taking care of aging parents? Here's a simple way to keep an eye on what's happening

Independence, safety and peace of mind. These are the most important elements for seniors living at home and their loved ones. Parents who wish to maintain their independence by living alone can be a double-edged sword. You’re happy they’re still self-sufficient, but you’re nervous about what can happen in an emergency.

This is where a reliable, 24-7 home security system comes in handy. You need a system that does more than just monitor for break-ins and burglaries. You need a system that monitors every kind of threat and emergency, even the ones you can’t see. You need our sponsor, SimpliSafe.

Right now, Komando readers can get an HD security camera for free. Visit SimplisafeKim.com to get a free HD camera, along with a 60-day money-back guarantee, free shipping and free returns.

Seniors and SimpliSafe

What makes SimpliSafe so desirable among users of all ages is that no matter how tech-savvy you are, the system is easy to install and manage. In fact, setting up SimpliSafe is a DIY process and shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes to complete. No need for tools, drilling or delicate wiring. Just plug and protect.

You can even monitor your aging loved ones yourself by using your smartphone. With a quick swipe and a tap, you can arm or disarm the system and check in on their home, no matter where you are.

“I installed a SimpliSafe system in the home of an elderly relative yesterday, and I am really impressed with how well thought-out and really…idiot-proof the whole thing is! As a contractor, I’ve installed old wired systems and am, of course, comfortable with tools, but with SimpliSafe, you can leave all your tools at home.

‘The only tool you need is something to cut the shipping tape on the cardboard box. Even if you haven’t seen the system before, the whole thing can be installed in minutes. Affordably priced, easy to understand, and a no-tools installation… SimpliSafe is a home run and a no-brainer!” – real SimpliSafe user.

The most innovative security system

SimpliSafe goes beyond protecting your loved ones from physical threats. It monitors potential threats that can’t be caught on camera by detecting fires and gas leaks with the industry’s best detection sensors.

Thanks to the built-in freeze and flood sensors that alert you well in advance, it can even protect your home from potential water damage. SimpliSafe comes with entry and motion sensors, glass break detection and around-the-clock video surveillance.

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4 dangerous mistakes you’re making with home security

A home security system is only as good as what your cameras can catch. Careful placement can mean the difference between capturing footage of a thief’s face or your dog relieving himself. Tap or click here for the best place to put your home security cameras.

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Fireworks disaster

A Nebraska family caught this crazy scene on their SimpliSafe home cam last year — I’ve never seen anything like it. Thankfully, no one was injured. Be very careful this Fourth of July!

💲 If you put a Ring on it: Ring’s raised its Basic video doorbell subscription costs from $3.99 to $4.99 a month. Always something, huh? More than ever, getting SimpliSafe to protect your whole home is a smarter and cheaper choice.

Burglars, life is short – don’t make it shorter: Keep an eye out for hidden cameras in your front yard, folks. South American gangs are placing them in bushes, disguising them in leaf-covered camouflage, to see your comings and goings. Trim your foliage and get a security system. My pick is SimpliSafe.

Weekend project: 5 simple ways to make your home safer

When building a home security system, every little bit helps. You can make significant changes, like setting up outdoor cameras with facial recognition. This helps you spot familiar faces crossing your street every day.

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My home was broken into. What am I supposed to do now?'

Each year in the U.S., there are an estimated 2.5 million burglaries. If this has happened to you, you know the fear and anxiety you feel after a break-in.

What should you do in the moments after discovering your home has been broken into or hearing someone come in? Knowing the steps to take in a moment of fear is hard, so it’s important to have a solid plan. If it never does, great news. If it does, you’re a little more prepared.

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30 days of unlimited recording: Jason asked if SimpliSafe’s plan that offers 30 days of unlimited recording was per camera. No, that’s up to 10 cameras. Nice, right? Crime is rampant. Take the quiz at SimpliSafeKim.com to configure your perfect security system.

Getting pricey: Arlo is bumping its Secure subscription plan pricing from $4.99 to $7.99 monthly (after already increasing it from $2.99). FYI, existing users can lock in the old rate for a year. If you’re looking to switch, I recommend SimpliSafe.

6 pieces of tech that are always draining power and costing you money

Depending on where you live, your electric bill can be super expensive, no matter which season we’re in. You run the AC during summer and the furnace during winter. We don’t seem to get a break.

Smart devices can go a long way in saving you some cash. Smart sprinklers, for instance, stop watering when it’s raining and monitor to ensure you’re not wasting water. Tap or click for the features to look for when upgrading your sprinkler system.

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Porch pirates are worst in these states

What is the average value of a stolen package? About $50. Who are the ones doing that stealing? Data shows that 94% of porch pirates are 45 and younger, and 67% are middle class. That’s a little surprising, wouldn’t you say?

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Here's what Amazon knows about you when you use a Ring doorbell

When you want to protect your home, you look for security systems that warn when people are on your property, record footage you can access at any time and can sound an alarm that scares off any would-be burglars.

Alarm systems should have your protection at heart. The information your alarm company accesses should be used for that purpose and that purpose only.

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3 common mistakes when installing security cameras

Security cameras give us peace of mind that our homes and valuables are safe when we’re away. A doorbell camera can be a significant deterrent for sneaky thieves.

They aren’t failsafe, though. Crooks can jam Wi-Fi-connected video doorbells and rob you before you realize what happened. It’s rare but possible. Tap or click for smart ways to stop them in their tracks.

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Security camera warning: This brand is missing a key privacy feature

There are plenty of reasons to install a video doorbell at your home. The most significant benefit for many is seeing who walks to the front door. Tap or click for a handy product that solves the Ring doorbell’s biggest problem.

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Home security 101: Where to put cameras

When it comes to home security, camera placement is everything. Tech gadgets can be finicky, so their location can make a difference. For example, here are the best places to put your router for better internet speeds.

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5 features you should have in every indoor security camera

Research the best indoor security cameras and you’ll get many results. One way to cut through the nonsense and hone in on what you want is by asking yourself which indoor security camera features you need.

This way, you can filter out cameras that don’t have everything you need. Once you find your perfect camera, you must consider the best placement and location. Here are three ways to make the most of your video cameras.

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7 clever uses for your smart doorbell camera

Smart doorbell cameras add a ton of value to your life. Not only do they make you feel more secure in your home, but they can deter criminals, too. If you let a burglar know you’re watching them, they may be too spooked to try anything.

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3 places you should never put a security camera

Location is everything when it comes to your home security setup. You could spend thousands on a top-of-the-line system, but setting up your cameras near the ground does nothing. You always want your security cams high on walls and near room corners.

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5 home security mistakes that may be putting you at risk

There are a few common flubs homeowners make when it comes to security, like keeping doors and windows unlocked or flaunting their wealth. Some subtleties can also endanger your possessions.

Sometimes, it’s hard to notice little signs burglars look for. You may be making their job easier. Tap or click here for simple ways to protect your home from burglars.

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How to install a security camera without breaking any laws

Security cameras are a great way to protect your property. Tap or click here for ways to keep hackers out of your smart home security cameras. But if you don’t set them up correctly, you could pay an arm and a leg. We’re not talking about maintenance fees, either — we’re talking about legal fees.

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