5 smart home devices to make your place more secure


4. HOW TO FIND WATER BEFORE A DELUGE You're not alone if you're concerned about water damage and the havoc it can wreak. The mydlink Wi-Fi Water Sensor model DCH-S161, $40, has a

long sensor cable so you can place it wherever you like — near your dishwasher, sink, sump pump, washing machine, water heater or any spot with the potential for a water leak. You'll be

notified immediately if leaks are detected, thanks to a 90-decibel alarm. (By comparison, smoke alarms screech at 85 decibels when activated.) You also can ask your Google Assistant

something like, “Is my washing machine leaking water?” If you're not at home, don't worry. If the sensor detects moisture, you'll get a text notification or an alert on the

free mydlink Home smartphone app, and a family member or friend can check out the problem to minimize damage. Unlike the original model, this next-generation D-Link sensor doesn't need

to be plugged in for power. Its two AA batteries, included, last up to 1.5 years. This gadget with no monthly fees also is ideal for snowbirds and rental properties. Chamberlain Group 5.

YOUR GARAGE DOOR, CONTROLLED FROM ANYWHERE When you hear the word “technology,” you probably don't think about garage doors. But the Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Hub, $40, might change

your mind. Simple to install and use, this Wi-Fi-enabled garage system indicates on its app if your garage door has been left open. And it lets you close or open it from anywhere via your

smartphone or smartwatch. You can set custom alerts to tell you if the garage has been open for a specific period or schedule it to close the garage door 1, 5 or 10 minutes after leaving

home. If a courier calls to say a parcel is being delivered, you can open the garage door remotely and close it when the package is deposited. You also can securely invite up to five users

to control the garage door. _Marc Saltzman has been a freelance technology journalist for 25 years. His podcast, Tech It Out , aims to break down geek speak into street speak._