You use the same Ring app whether you have a Ring Doorbell or Ring Alarm security system. The app lets you answer your doorbell, arm/disarm your system, adjust device settings and more. You’ll receive notifications when sensors trigger, so you can be kept in the loop. How does the Ring app perform for users, and is it better than the competition? Find out below…

Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, even the occasional snowpocalypse can leave you stranded in your home for days or even weeks. Are you prepared if a disaster hits? You’ll be glad you planned ahead, and it doesn’t get more basic than making sure you and your family have a sustainable food supply. We’ll give you the lowdown on how to prepare emergency food supplies and, if you’re too busy to DIY, we’ll give you some of our recommendations for the best emergency food kits on the market…

Sheds are an excellent place for storage, but they’re also an easy target for burglars. People tend to store expensive lawn tools and equipment as well as large toys like bikes and motorized vehicles in a shed without securing it. Easy access to an unsecured shed is what makes them very tempting to an intruder. The unique configuration of your shed will help you decide what you need to secure it. Here are 6 tips to help you evaluate your shed security…

Is your cell phone bill breaking your budget? Is your unlimited plan not really “unlimited”? Does your connection constantly dropping? Good news, the world of mobile service providers has been changing rapidly over the last few years. Gone are the days of the big four carriers with long contracts as your only options…

Who’s really watching you when you’re online? These days, it’s virtually impossible to know. Advertisers, marketers, cyber stalkers, potential employers, even your own neighbors could be tracking your online behavior. And until our lawmakers pass more specific cybersecurity legislation, we’re all at risk. What can you do to protect your privacy and identity? Consider installing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service on your computer and mobile devices, especially when you are traveling. For a low monthly fee and easy installation you can protect yourself from Big Brother…

The Vivint Smart Home app lets you connect all of your Vivint smart home and security devices directly to your smartphone or tablet so you can remotely monitor and manage your entire system. This is Vivint’s latest app and works with the SkyControl Panel and their latest panel model, the Smart Hub Panel. The original app, Vivint Classic, is still available for users who have the Go!Control Panel….

The Nest Protect 2nd Generation is one of the best smart smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms on the market. Nest Protect is WiFi enabled, so you can receive notifications to your phone. It includes photoelectric and ionization sensors (called the split-spectrum sensor), which detects both fast-burning and smoldering fires. It’s a bit expensive, but with its dual sensor, carbon monoxide detection and smart technology, is it worth the steep price?…

Are your home’s smoke detectors up to snuff? Are you aware that you should replace your smoke detectors at least every ten years? Nearly 62% of home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms, reports the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). If your home doesn’t have smoke alarms — or you haven’t properly maintained your home’s smoke detector system — you’re putting your family in grave danger. Our smoke alarm reviews give you all the information you need to choose the best smoke detector for your home and our recommendations…

Home security is important whether you rent or own your home. As a renter, you most likely need a wireless security system that won’t damage the structure of the home but can also go with you when you move. The security systems we review in this article can work with various rentals and budgets to fit what you need. So whether you want the basics or something more extravagant with cameras and home automation equipment, you can learn more about your options here…

Frontpoint Security is one of the first home security companies to take full advantage of Alarm.com’s sophisticated home security portal, app and smart home integration. In this review, we dive into the Frontpoint customer portal and see what sets it apart from the competition…