Jonah Serie | Source | Senior Vice President and GM of Direct to Home at Brinks Home

Jonah stresses the need for emergency lighting during outages, recommending "battery-powered lanterns, flashlights, and LED lights." He advises placing lights in key areas and keeping fresh batteries. Jonah also notes that smart home systems with battery and cellular backup can enhance security and convenience during power outages.

Jonah highlights that Brinks Home systems start at $400 with free professional installation. He emphasizes professional monitoring for 24/7 protection, while self-monitoring suits hands-on users. Key components include security panels, mobile apps, and cameras. Wired cameras offer reliability. When choosing between companies, consider needs, monitoring quality, technology, support, and costs.

Jonah advises that while a lit porch can deter intruders, continuous lighting may signal an empty home. He recommends combining porch lights with motion-activated systems and smart home automation for optimal security. "Continuous lighting may suggest a lack of attention or routine," Jonah says, emphasizing the importance of varied lighting for effective deterrence.