Smart security is so this year

January 01, 2023

Happy New Year! We’re kicking off 2023 with some safety and security tips to help you get a head start on making this year safer and smarter. The new year also means it’s time to check and change the batteries in your smoke alarms and other safety devices. And of course, we’ll take a moment to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Fire safety tips for 2023 and beyond

Last year, we added Google Nest devices to the ADT suite of smart security products. For 2022, we expanded our offerings even further. In case you missed it, here’s a quick recap:

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are an average of 358,500 structural home fires per year. So, we figured that the start of the new year was the perfect time to offer you some simple, everyday fire safety tips to help you kick off a safer 2023:

1. The NFPA estimates that almost 50% of all house fires start in the kitchen—more than in any other room of the house. We recommend that you install an ADT Smoke Detector in a room that’s close to your kitchen. If you don’t already have one, you can order one today via our Customer Portal.
2. Nothing makes a cold winter night cozier than basking with the fam in the warmth and light of a fresh log in the fireplace. But before you light your first fire of the season, be sure to have your chimney checked by a professional—it’s important to do this annually. You’ll also want to keep the area around the fireplace clear of anything potentially flammable (furniture, drapes, newspapers, books, etc.).
3. When you’re lighting candles to set the mood around your home, make sure you pay close attention to their surroundings. Candle fires can start when furniture, mattresses, bedding, curtains or decorations are too close to a candle. And don’t forget to extinguish every candle before leaving your home or going to bed at night.
4. Outdoor patio heaters are a great alternative to firepits. Just remember to follow all precautions on the label and be sure it’s completely turned off when you’re finished using it. To avoid toxic fumes, carbon monoxide poisoning and suffocation, never use an outdoor heater inside or in an enclosed space.

A burst pipe can burst your New Year’s bubble

As temperatures dip below freezing in some parts of the country, the risk of frozen—or even burst—pipes becomes very real. Even an excess of melting snow can seep into your house and cause water damage. A well-placed ADT Flood & Temperature Sensor in your basement, laundry room or other flood-prone areas of your home can alert you to leaks or drastic temperature changes the moment they’re detected. And with the average insurance claim for water damage costing over $6,000, early detection could help save you a lot.

Like all of our security and smart home devices, setting it up is quick and easy. If it’s cold where you live, consider adding one to your system.

A fresh start for you, and fresh batteries for your devices

The start of the new year is the perfect time to put fresh batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. And while you’re at it, be sure to check the status of your wireless ADT security devices and purchase new batteries if need be. Your wireless outdoor camera battery, for example, may have a shorter charge due to colder temperatures. Here are a few tips to help you maximize your camera’s battery life:

1. Make sure the battery is fully charged before connecting it to the Blue Wireless Outdoor Camera. The battery pack LED will turn green once it’s fully charged. NOTE: Initial battery charging time for the wireless outdoor camera battery is between 5-6 hours.
2. Customize your motion zones and sensitivity to avoid high-traffic areas such as street traffic. This adjustment can be made in Camera Settings > Motion > Edit Motion Zone and Sensitivity.
3. Create a custom time frame for your camera to capture motion. Time frames for your wireless outdoor camera can be adjusted in Camera Settings > Motion > Edit Notifications. (Make sure “Always record media” is off if there are times you don’t want recordings.)

You can find replacement batteries for your wireless outdoor camera on our Customer Portal. If you’re not sure what kind of battery you need for your other devices, you can find out in our Support Center.

Did you know…

…that your ADT system works with smart home automation?

If you haven’t been using your compatible smart home devices with your security system to help make your life more convenient, the new year is a great time to start. Blue by ADT works with smart Z-Wave devices like plugs, lights, door locks, and thermostats to give you more control of your home. Start by picking the devices you want. Then set up your smart home automations under Rules in your Blue by ADT app.

For example, if you have smart door locks, you can create a custom rule to automatically lock your doors by the day of the week when you leave for work. If you add a push notification, you can get an alert when your rule runs. You can customize your rules in a few ways by adding triggers, conditions and actions.

It might sound fancy and high-tech, but syncing your devices and setting up rules and automations is easy. Just start in the Rules section of the Blue by ADT app. You can find helpful setup guides and how-tos in our Support Center.

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

MLK Day is Monday, January 16. This holiday honors the birthday and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. As a minister and nonviolent activist for causes like voting rights, desegregation and labor, he delivered the famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial and later earned a Nobel Peace Prize for his life’s work serving others. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. worked tirelessly to help make the world a better place and lives on as an inspiration to us at ADT.

You can honor him by taking time to give back to your community. Consider helping a neighbor on your block, signing up for a volunteer event or getting involved in an organization that is close to your heart.