As everyone adjusts their routines and schedules to follow recent government guidelines on social distancing and staying at home,  there will be a lack of physical interaction amongst most people. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways to engage and communicate with others. Thanks to internet technology, socialising can continue digitally in the safety of your home, reducing the chances of infection, keeping you and others safe. Here are three   simple ways to keep in touch with the outside world using the internet:

Video conferencing

Most smartphones today have high-quality cameras, whether it’s for a selfie or to simply video call. Downloading free apps like FaceTime, WhatsApp or Skype allows people to have face-to-face chats with loved ones across the world. These apps can be used in a professional capacity too, and many businesses employ video conference tools to connect with colleagues, customers and partners whilst working from home.

Direct deliveries

Receiving packages without making direct contact with the delivery person may prove challenging to some. However, using a home security camera will make it a smooth operation. Using the Blink XT2 two-way audio feature, you can communicate clear instructions from a distance without having to even open your front door. You also know when the delivery has arrived from camera motion alerts sent instantly to your smartphone, so you can collect the item from your doorstep and avoid contact with others.

Check on others in real-time

If family members or friends already have Blink XT2 cameras installed in their home, encourage them to use the live-view option to check in and say hello. It’s important to teach elderly relatives how to use video conferencing apps and easy to use apps like Blink, so that they don’t become isolated. Using the Blink app and cameras, you could send clips to other members of the family to keep each other’s spirits up.

Click here to find out more about our affordable, contract-free video home security systems.

The mornings are getting brighter by the day, birds are chirping, and evenings are lasting longer. This can only mean one thing, Spring is near! As the clocks go forward on March 29^th, the new season prompts a change in many aspects of everyday living and encourages homeowners to have the all-important “spring clean”.

It’s finally time to let fresh air in your home, dust off the shelf and enjoy the great outdoors after being cooped up inside during winter. Here’s a list of things to check to ensure your property is secure this Spring:

Cut back overgrown bushes and hedges: It won’t be long before the gardens bursts into life once more. If you have foliage that wasn’t cut back before the Autumn it’ll quickly grow soon, providing would-be thieves with potential hiding places.

Check locks on windows and doors: After such a damp winter, check all the window and door locks for stiffness. A rusted lock can become brittle and unsafe, make sure you have some WD40 to clean and lubricate all locks this spring.  

Replace damaged fences and panels: After such heavy storms this winter, make sure you check your fence panels are all intact and secure. A missing panel or wobbly fence provides access to a potential thief.

Install a smart home security system: Blink’s XT2 wireless, weatherproof night-vision outdoor cameras can be placed anywhere on the property. Making it perfect for monitoring the kids playing in the garden, protecting parked vehicles and exterior areas. The XT2 features two-way audio meaning you can talk through the camera to both welcome guests and warn off any unwelcomed visitors.

Video Security Protection notices: If you have or want to install a video security system at home (or even if you don’t) display your security service on the outside of your house – it’s a great way to deter opportunistic thieves. It also helps inform welcome visitors that video surveillance is in use.

Click here to find out more about our affordable, contract-free video home security systems.

Did you know that Blink cameras have a built-in temperature sensor? This nifty feature allows you to monitor the current temperature in the location where the camera is placed.