The answer to this question is no, SimpliSafe does not automatically call police. SimpliSafe is a DIY home security system that allows you to customize your own security plan and monitor your home remotely. However, SimpliSafe does not directly contact the police or other emergency services when an alarm is triggered. Instead, it relies on a professional monitoring service that you can subscribe to for a monthly fee. This service will call you and verify the alarm, and then contact the police or other authorities if needed. In this article, we will explain how SimpliSafe works, what are the benefits and drawbacks of using it, and how it compares to other home security systems.
SimpliSafe is a wireless home security system that consists of a base station, a keypad, and various sensors and devices that you can install around your home. You can choose from different packages or build your own system according to your needs and budget. Some of the devices that SimpliSafe offers include:
Entry sensors: These are small devices that you can attach to your doors and windows to detect when they are opened or closed.
Motion sensors: These are devices that you can place in your rooms to detect any movement within a certain range.
Glass break sensors: These are devices that you can place near your windows to detect the sound of breaking glass.
Smoke detectors: These are devices that can detect smoke and fire and alert you with a loud siren.
Carbon monoxide detectors: These are devices that can detect the presence of carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that can be produced by faulty appliances or heaters.
Water sensors: These are devices that you can place near your sinks, toilets, or pipes to detect any water leaks or floods.
Freeze sensors: These are devices that you can place near your pipes or faucets to detect any freezing temperatures that could cause them to burst.
Panic buttons: These are devices that you can place in your bedroom or other locations to trigger an alarm and alert the monitoring service in case of an emergency.
Cameras: These are devices that you can place inside or outside your home to record video and audio of your surroundings. You can access the live feed or the recorded footage from your smartphone or computer.
Smart locks: These are devices that you can install on your doors to lock and unlock them remotely or with a key fob or a PIN code.
Doorbells: These are devices that you can install on your door to see and talk to your visitors from your smartphone or computer.
All these devices communicate wirelessly with the base station, which is the brain of the system. The base station connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network and sends signals to the monitoring service via a cellular connection. The base station also has a backup battery that can last up to 24 hours in case of a power outage.
The keypad is the device that you use to arm and disarm the system. You can also use it to adjust the settings, check the status, and access the menu. The keypad has a backup battery that can last up to a year.
You can also control the system from your smartphone or computer using the SimpliSafe app or the web interface. You can arm and disarm the system, view the live feed or the recorded footage from the cameras, lock and unlock the doors, adjust the temperature, and more. You can also receive notifications and alerts on your phone or email when an alarm is triggered or when a device is tampered with.
What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Using SimpliSafe?
One of the main benefits of using SimpliSafe is that it is easy to install and use. You do not need any tools or professional help to set up the system. You can simply peel and stick the sensors and devices wherever you want. You can also move them around or take them with you if you move to a new place. The system is also easy to operate and customize. You can choose from different modes, such as home, away, or off, and adjust the settings according to your preferences. You can also add or remove devices as you wish.
Another benefit of using SimpliSafe is that it is affordable and flexible. You do not need to sign any long-term contracts or pay any hidden fees. You can buy the system outright or pay in installments. You can also choose whether to subscribe to the professional monitoring service or not. The monitoring service costs $14.99 per month for the standard plan, which includes 24/7 monitoring, cellular connection, environmental monitoring, and unlimited camera recording. The interactive plan costs $24.99 per month and includes all the features of the standard plan, plus remote control, smart home integration, video verification, and secret alerts. You can cancel the service at any time without any penalties.
However, SimpliSafe also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of. One of the main drawbacks is that it does not automatically call police or other emergency services when an alarm is triggered. You need to subscribe to the monitoring service and have a valid permit in your area for the service to contact the authorities on your behalf. Otherwise, you will only receive a notification on your phone or email and you will have to call the police yourself. This could be a problem if you are away from your phone or if you do not have a good cellular signal.
Another drawback of using SimpliSafe is that it is not compatible with some smart home devices and platforms. SimpliSafe works with Alexa, Google Assistant, August, and Apple Watch, but not with other popular devices and platforms, such as Nest, Ring, IFTTT, and Z-Wave. This means that you cannot integrate SimpliSafe with your existing smart home ecosystem or create custom routines and automations. You also cannot use voice commands to control the system with some devices, such as Google Home.
How Does SimpliSafe Compare to Other Home Security Systems?
SimpliSafe is one of the leading DIY home security systems in the market, but it is not the only one. There are other options that you can consider, such as:
Ring Alarm: This is a wireless home security system that works with Ring cameras and doorbells. It also offers professional monitoring for $10 per month, which includes cellular backup, video recording, and smart home integration. Ring Alarm is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Z-Wave, but not with Apple HomeKit or IFTTT. Ring Alarm also does not automatically call police, but it offers video verification, which allows the monitoring service to see what is happening and confirm the alarm before contacting the authorities.
Abode: This is a wireless home security system that works with a variety of smart home devices and platforms, such as Nest, Philips Hue, Ecobee, LIFX, and IFTTT. It also offers professional monitoring for $20 per month, which includes cellular backup, video recording, and smart home integration. Abode also does not automatically call police, but it offers video verification and CUE, which is a feature that allows you to create custom automations and rules for your system.
ADT: This is a traditional home security system that requires professional installation and a long-term contract. It offers professional monitoring for $36.99 per month, which includes cellular backup, video recording, and smart home integration. ADT also offers a feature called ADT Pulse, which allows you to control the system from your smartphone or computer. ADT does automatically call police and other emergency services when an alarm is triggered, but it also charges high fees for installation, activation, and cancellation.
SimpliSafe is a DIY home security system that allows you to customize your own security plan and monitor your home remotely. However, SimpliSafe does not automatically call police or other emergency services when an alarm is triggered. Instead, it relies on a professional monitoring service that you can subscribe to for a monthly fee. This service will call you and verify the alarm, and then contact the police or other authorities if needed.
SimpliSafe has some benefits and drawbacks that you should consider before buying it. Some of the benefits are that it is easy to install and use, affordable and flexible, and offers various devices and sensors that you can choose from. Some of the drawbacks are that it does not automatically call police, it is not compatible with some smart home devices and platforms, and it does not offer video verification or custom automations.
SimpliSafe is one of the leading DIY home security systems in the market, but it is not the only one. You can also compare it to other options, such as Ring Alarm, Abode, and ADT, and see which one suits your needs and preferences better.
