Summer is a time for relaxation, but it also brings unique safety challenges, especially when kids are home from school and schedules are more fluid. In a time when we're surrounded by technology and smart devices, consumers should look to make the most of their value. Amazon's Echo devices are increasingly prevalent in homes, and there are many ways your family's network of devices can enhance your home safety, offering peace of mind and convenience.
"A recent survey conducted by Wakefield Research for Amazon* found that only 19% of adults in the U.S. have a well-rounded home emergency plan in place," noted an Amazon Representative. "Now is the best time to evaluate if your home safety measures are adequate in case of an emergency. Many already rely on Alexa for reminders, timers, and music – it’s a no-brainer to also lean on Alexa for quick help when you need it most."
Enable Alexa Emergency Assist
Amidst the excitement of summer, it's still important to be prepared for any emergency. Amazon's study showed that only 24% of parents have an emergency preparedness plan in place, while 40% of parents have admitted to not having any emergency plan. Whether it's time to create a plan, or a good opportunity to supplement your emergency plan with the assistance of smart devices, Alexa Emergency Assist (AEA) is a good safety service to leverage. The service can enable anyone to get fast, hands-free help using their Echo devices at home, the Alexa Emergency Assist via the Alexa app, and on-the-go Echo devices including Echo Auto, Echo Buds, and Echo Frames (all of these devices have Echo built-in, so you don't have to fumble for your phone in an emergency situation). When needed, the user can simply say, “Alexa, call for help” to get in contact with a trained Urgent Response agent who can request dispatch of emergency services and pass along critical information directly—saving you time and giving you more peace of mind.
More About Alexa Emergency Assist
- AEA can ease hesitations and bring confidence to customers, especially for the 61% of U.S. adults prone to misplacing their cell phone while at home. The network of dedicated, professionally-trained agents can request dispatch of police, fire or ambulance based on their evaluation of a situation and pre-saved critical information on your device account.
- AEA is a subscription-based service, but the company keeps it affordable. It costs Amazon Prime members $5.99/month or $59.00/year ($7.99/month or $79/year without a Prime Membership).
- Alexa can automatically notify up to 25 of your emergency contacts anytime you start and end a call with Urgent Response.
- Alexa will notify you of any smoke or carbon monoxide alarms beeping, or the sound of glass breaking, so you can quickly engage and prompt an Urgent Response no matter where you are.
“Drop in” On Your Home or Family from Afar
Alexa makes it easier than ever to stay connected with your friends and family, whether you want to say HI to Mom or if you need to check in on your kids after their day at summer camp. The Drop in Feature allows you to start an instant conversation, either with video or audio-only, with people in your home or contacts outside of your home. Simply say, “Alexa, drop in on the upstairs Echo” or “Alexa, drop in on Grandma” and you’ll instantly be connected to that device or person in your contacts.
Secure Your Home with Ring Security Cameras
Whether you’re embarking on a summer road trip or working from the office, keeping an eye on your home is essential. Ring's diverse range of security cameras provides solutions tailored to different needs.
- Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam: This camera is great for everyone, from pet owners who want to pan around the living room to check on their pet, to small business owners who want to cover multiple angles and doorways with one camera. Features include 360° pan coverage and 169° vertical tilt coverage, real-time video in Live View, full and clear HD video, 1080p HD video resolution, two-way talk, real-time motion detection alerts, and a motorized base.
- Ring Battery Doorbell Pro: The brand synonymous with video doorbell technology makes it easier to adopt the technology by introducing the most advanced battery-powered doorbell with Head-to-Toe HD+ Video, 3D Motion Detection that shows you where visitors went on an overhead map of your property, and Two-Way Talk with Audio+. It has all the same features and safety alerts customers know and love, but this one is powered by a battery, making it compatible with just about any home.
