What the Tech: Home surveillance
Jan 21, 2025
CHARLOTTE, NC — Smart home technology isn’t just about convenience; it’s also about protecting your home and loved ones. While many smart home gadgets focus on automation and energy efficiency, there’s a growing market for devices that enhance safety and security. Here are a few innovative products that can help prevent flooding, deter package thieves, and assist first responders in emergencies.
Glomensio Firefly: Illuminating Address Numbers for Easy Identification
In an emergency, every second counts. But what if first responders can’t find your house? House numbers aren’t always clearly visible, especially at night. The Glomensio Firefly is a
smart address light that solves this problem.
“This product flashes and allows your immediate neighbors to get to your aid to provide life-sustaining care, such as CPR until the first responders actually get there,” said inventor
Gaurav Batta.
These illuminated house numbers are clear during the day and glow brightly in the dark. When you dial 911, the numbers automatically flash red and blue, alerting emergency services to your
location. The Firefly can also be used for everyday convenience, flashing green for food deliveries or ride-share pickups. The Glomensia Firefly launched two weeks ago and are
available now for around $300.
Flowstop: Inflatable Flood Barrier for Home Protection
Flooding can cause devastating damage to homes and property. The Flowstop is an inflatable barrier designed to protect your home from rising water. This lightweight yet sturdy barrier can
be quickly deployed to block floodwaters from entering your garage or doorways. Richard Aulio from Florida demonstrated how he used it during Hurricane Helene.
“All of my neighbors lost everything. Cars, furniture, everything. Myself, I saved my house. I put it up in front of my house just in case,” he said.
The Flowstop comes in various sizes to fit different openings, offering peace of mind during storms and floods.
Hyve: Smart Delivery Locker for Package Protection
Package theft is a common problem, especially in areas with high delivery volumes. The Hyve is a smart package locker that provides a secure location for your deliveries.
“The app will generate a code that is unique to that vendor,” said Hyve inventor Melissa Kieling.
This weatherproof locker can be mounted on your porch, gate, or other entryway. When you place an order, you generate a unique code for the delivery driver.
“You open up your Amazon app and paste it into your special delivery instructions and it’s going to leave a note that says ‘Please leave my packages in my Hyve using code dadadada,” Kieling
explained.
“When Amazon drops off your package and uses that code, you get a notification that Amazon has delivered your package and that it’s been securely locked in your Hyve,” she said.
The Hyve was launched this month at CES and will be available in June for around $300. These innovative smart home gadgets offer practical solutions to common safety and security
concerns. Whether you’re worried about package theft, flooding, or emergency response times, these devices provide an added layer of protection for your home and peace of mind for you.