10 Tips to Keep Summer Staycations Safer With Smart Cameras
Protect your home this summer with smart camera strategies that actually work.
Planning to enjoy a summer staycation or take a short trip out of town? As a new homeowner, it's natural to feel a little uneasy about leaving your house unattended. Smart home security cameras can help ease that worry. These devices allow you to check in from your phone anytime, day or night. They’re simple to install, easy to use, and can help keep your home safer this summer.
But instead of just placing a camera by your front door and calling it a day, there are smarter ways to use your devices. In this post, we’ll go over practical tips to get the most out of the Toucan Wireless Security Camera S4 and the Toucan Floodlight Camera. These ten ideas will help you protect your property during your summer downtime, without overcomplicating anything.
#1 Place Cameras in High-Traffic Areas
If you're new to smart home security, start by covering the most active spots. That usually includes your front door, backyard, driveway, and garage. The Toucan S4 Wireless Camera is ideal for this. It runs on a rechargeable battery, making it easy to set up without needing to mess with wiring.
Pro tip: Mount the S4 at a downward angle for better facial recognition and to avoid sun glare.
#2 Use Floodlight Cameras for Backyard and Side Yards
Summer is when families spend more time outside — grilling, gardening, and even sleeping under the stars. But the dark corners of your yard can attract unwanted attention. This is where the Toucan Security Floodlight Camera becomes quite useful.
The ultra-bright LED lights, combined with full HD video and motion detection, give you control of poorly lit areas. Plus, the floodlight automatically turns on when it detects movement, making it a strong deterrent for prowlers.
#3 Take Advantage of Two-Way Audio
Your smart home security camera can talk, too. Both the S4 and Floodlight Camera come with a two-way audio feature, which lets you speak to whoever is near your home. You can respond instantly to a delivery driver or someone who shouldn’t be there
For example, you can say, “Hi, we’re not available right now, please leave the package by the porch.” Or, if needed, “This area is monitored, please leave immediately.” That direct communication makes a big difference, especially when you're away for the weekend.
#4 Use Custom Motion Zones
Don’t want alerts every time a squirrel runs by? Toucan Solutions’ smart home security cameras allow you to set custom motion zones, so the camera focuses on areas that matter to you. This helps reduce unnecessary notifications and saves battery life on the S4.
Say your trash bins are outside, but not a security concern. You can exclude that area from motion detection. This way, your phone only pings you when there's real movement in places you care about, like your driveway or gate.
#5 Link Your Cameras With Mobile Alerts
What’s better than being able to check in on your home anytime? Being told when something happens without even checking. With mobile app notifications, Toucan cameras instantly alert you when motion is detected.
You don’t have to be glued to your screen. Enjoy your staycation or day trip while knowing your phone will give you a heads-up if anything suspicious happens at home.
#6 Add a Decoy Camera or Signage
Here’s a low-cost trick. Use a decoy camera or place visible security signage around your home. Even if a criminal doesn’t spot the actual device, the warning alone often makes them think twice.
You can buy dummy cameras that resemble real models or print a sign that says, “Property Protected by Smart Cameras.” Combine this with your actual S4 or Floodlight Camera for a layered security effect.
#7 Schedule Alerts for When You're Out
Going out for the afternoon? Maybe staying overnight at your cousin’s place? You can schedule camera alerts during those hours to be extra vigilant. Some homeowners even sync this with smart lighting schedules to simulate someone being home.
Motion-triggered lights and alerts give the impression that you're watching, even when you're not. Most burglars prefer easy targets, so simple automation can make your home less appealing.
#8 Use Cloud Storage to Review Footage Later
Real-time alerts are great, but having access to recorded video is better. Toucan offers encrypted cloud storage, so you can review activity whenever you need to.
This feature helps in cases where packages go missing or you want to report something to your neighborhood watch group. Some plans even let you save up to 7 days of footage, giving you a handy video history of the week.
#9 Install Cameras Where Delivery Packages Are Dropped
Online orders don’t stop in summer. Neither do package thieves. To prevent porch piracy, aim a camera at the delivery zone. The S4 camera is perfect for this because it's easy to mount near doorways and works well in most weather conditions.
In 2023, nearly one in four Americans had a package stolen, according to a Finder report. Cameras reduce this risk and help you provide evidence if something does go missing.
#10 Check In From Anywhere in the US.
With Toucan’s smart cameras, your vacation doesn’t mean going off the grid. You can check your video feed from anywhere in the country using your phone and a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.
Knowing what’s happening at home gives you peace of mind, no matter what you’re doing, wherever you are. And for new homeowners, it’s one less thing to stress about.
Final Thoughts
Your summer staycation should feel like a break, not a time to worry about break-ins. Toucan Solutions’ smart home security cameras make it easy for new homeowners to protect their space, even if they’re just getting started with home tech. With user-friendly features, mobile alerts, and dependable video quality, your home stays safe while you enjoy your time off.
Following these ten simple steps and using smart devices like the S4 Wireless Camera and Floodlight Camera helps keep your home secure this summer and beyond.
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Ready to make your new home feel more secure? Explore our smart home security cameras at ToucanSolution.com.