Simplify Your Safety
A home security system can give you peace of mind, but installation is costly and permanent. SimpliSafe isn’t. Any homeowner or apartment dweller can install this innovative new security system in minutes and relocate it when it’s time to move. The system uses a cellular wireless connection to stay in contact with SimpliSafe’s monitoring service, so you don’t need a dedicated phone line or hardwired components. And there’s no lengthy contract, either.
SimpliSafe is the brainchild of Eleanor and Chad Laurans, who saw the need for a home security system that’s specifically geared for apartments, urban homes, and sites where you wouldn’t want to install a permanent security system. Their starter kit includes a base station, wireless keypad, entry sensors for protecting windows and doors, and a keychain remote to turn your alarm on and off. You can expand the system with optional add-ons including motion detectors and a panic button. All the components arrive pre-programmed, and the keypad and sensors come with peel-and-stick adhesive strips so they’re ready to be mounted — no drills or screws required.
Since the SimpliSafe setup is so easy and there are no long-term contracts, it’s no hassle to outfit a new graduate’s first off-campus apartment, no matter how short the lease is. And back at the homestead, you won’t have to build a moat around your home to make it safer.
Melina
I'm excited to share SimpliSafe with you- a new breed of security that's easy and empowering. Look forward to connecting with you today!
Kathryn Teena
7/20/2010 12:26 PMDo you have to use nails or screws to mount the basic keypad?
And what about the panic button? Does it need attaching to the wall?
Teena
Melina – Special Guest
7/20/2010 12:36 PMHi Teena,
All of our sensor are mounted using 3M's super strong command adhesive strips. So you don't need any nails or anything. We pre-mount all sensors with strips, so it comes ready to install. Installation usually takes about 15 minutes.
Kate
7/20/2010 12:39 PMIs this only for apartment dwellers? Is there any reason it isn't as effective in a home?
Melina – Special Guest
7/20/2010 12:53 PM@kate: It's great for both homes and apartments. We have a lot of customers who purchased this for their homes & they tend to be our biggest fans, since they've had the experience of dealing with traditional security industry pricing and long-term contracts.
Kim
7/20/2010 1:00 PMIt would be excellent for college students in a residence hall.
Katherine – Grommet Team
7/20/2010 1:55 PMThis looks like a great option for many people! You have really put together a thoughtful system that fills a need that many have.
Billy Crockett
7/21/2010 12:08 AMDo insurance companies acknowledge this as a full fledged alarm system? If yes, perhaps the savings on homeowners/renters insurance will pay for the cost of subscription? Hmmm. Awesome product by the way!
Katherine – Grommet Team
7/21/2010 10:29 AM@Billy - this is a great question.
According to SimpliSafe most insurance companies do offer discounts on home owner's or renter's insurance if a monitored home security system is installed including the SimpliSafe system. The best way to find out is to call your insurance company directly. Savings are generally 5-20%.
Kayla
8/5/2010 1:14 PMIs there a promotion code to use in order to receive the first free month of service?
Katherine – Grommet Team
8/5/2010 1:20 PM@Kayla - there is no promotion code needed for the first free month of service it will be automatically included with your order.
Debra M.
9/8/2010 10:59 AMthe demo video does not dementrate how it actually would work in event of a breakin. If this device, in event of a break-in or intruder, sound loud alarm,call police with emergency intruder notice,giving key response info, identifing your name,address,and phone number, and also calling or sending alarm to your cellphone, this would be a convincing device. There was no actual demonstration of any of these things. I am not sold on this item.
Katherine – Grommet Team
9/8/2010 3:30 PM@Debra - thank you for your post. We are continually trying to improve our video presentations and it is helpful to hear constructive feedback. Click here to open a pdf that shows what happens in the event of a break-in.
In summary, when an intruder trips the security system an 85 decibel siren is triggered, and an alert signal is sent to SimpliSafe Emergency Dispatch Center. They call you and verify a code word to ensure that you are okay. If you are not okay or if you do not respond to the phone call, a police officer is dispatched to your home.
CSChapman
11/7/2010 10:07 AM@Katherine - Daily Grommet Community Team: What would happen if the network used to relay the signal is down or there are interruptions to the network service?
Will
11/8/2010 6:31 PM@CSChapman: If the cellular network ever becomes unavailable for any reason the system will let you know. Also, you can always just use a phone-line as a backup!
Jamie
11/3/2010 8:16 PMYour motion sensor said that it will detect heat so that pets won't set it off but a human size body will. What if I have mastiff's that weight about 150 lbs. each? Will they be big enough to set off the motion detector?
will
11/4/2010 10:25 AM@Jamie: The motion sensors will not detect a pet from 30-50 lbs, however it will certainly detect 150lb mastiffs. There is a trick to use motion sensors with large pets. Click here to view a pdf tip sheet for pets.
susan
11/3/2010 8:19 PMI live in Toronto Ontario. Is it possible to get this system and service in Canada?
Will
11/4/2010 10:26 AM@susan: We certainly do provide service in Canada, however to enable international cellular monitoring it is an additional $5 per month.
Larissa Thomas
11/4/2010 12:01 AMIs the dispatch center open 24 hours, do they receive any emergency training? How much is the service.
Will
11/4/2010 10:27 AM@Larissa Thomas: The monitoring cost is $14.99 monthly with no contract for 24/7 central station monitoring with police dispatch
Cody
11/4/2010 1:27 AMI am just about sold on this fantastic system! Though, I do have one question before purchasing. The keypad (which traditionally resides next to the front door,) must run off batteries. Does the keypad provide indication that the battery needs to be replaced? And if so, is there a quick way to replace this battery? I'd rather not have to keep purchasing 3M strips... Thanks!
Will
11/4/2010 10:29 AM@Cody: The Keypad will always alert you if the batteries are running low; and they should last about 1-2 years.
As for the adhesive strips: You can replace the batteries without removing the Keypad's backing from the wall. It will slide up to expose the battery compartment.
Also you can always just screw it right in!
CSChapman
11/7/2010 10:18 AMHow much are the monitoring fees, etc.?
Katherine – Grommet Team
11/8/2010 10:24 AM@CSChapman: It is $14.99 per month with the first month free if you go through Daily Grommet. There are no contracts and no set-up fees, it's a month to month service.
JoyceE
11/8/2010 7:30 PMWhat wireless network is use?
Will
11/9/2010 2:02 PM@JoyceE: We use different wireless carriers depending on your location, always customized for the best wireless signal. We use both national GSM carriers and long-range pager networks for out-of-the-way or mountainous locations.
JoyceE
11/11/2010 5:41 AM@Will Deines: I ask because, I have yet to find a cell cover that will work in my house. The major carriers don't work. Thanks for your response.
Tim Paynter
11/20/2010 7:09 PMI travel frequently, and sometimes I even camp. This would be the perfect device for me because I could configure a security barrier easily and every time I move, even if it is nightly. Wow! Great work!
Melina – Special Guest
12/2/2010 12:08 PM@Tim Paynter: hey Tim, thanks! We're really proud of the system and our customers are a happy set. We've got a nice community of folks that share and discuss SimpliSafe on our facebook page, if you want to check it out. www.facebook.com/simplisafe We're thrilled to be available here on the Daily Grommet site :) Best, Melina
Steve Fleming
12/12/2010 10:31 PMCongratulations on what appears to be a really good value in home security. Is there a plan to add fire/smoke detection to the system in the near future?
Katherine – Grommet Team
12/12/2010 10:58 PM@Steve Fleming: Great suggestion. I will forward it on to Will and Melina and find out if something is in the works!
Melina
12/13/2010 3:27 PM@Steve Fleming: Yes! We will release smoke sensor late fall next year. It'll be an easy add on to the SimpliSafe system.
Best!
melina
Gail van den Berg
3/23/2011 2:21 PMFather-in-law recently found in the middle of the night, clad in PJs and socks, standing in the snow in Wisconsin. NOT GOOD. Is there a way this system could accommodate the 'wandering elder' problems? The immediate necessity would be to awaken others in the house, not necessarily call the police.
Katherine – Grommet Team
3/23/2011 2:55 PM@Gail van den Berg: I'm sorry to hear about your situation. I have forwarded to SimpliSafe and will let you know.
Melina
3/23/2011 3:41 PM@Gail van den Berg: Oh so sorry to hear that. The answer is yes. You can set up your monitoring so that the when the alarm is triggered we call you to notify you but not call the police. You can also set up your account to send you an SMS text alert as well (in case you miss that call giving you a second notification).
Joe M.
5/9/2012 8:43 PMHow big is the keychain? Also is it waterproof? How far away can it be from the keypad for the button to still work? Wondering if it would be usable as an "I've fallen & can't get up" system for my father who currently lives alone.
Was also wondering whether SimpliSafe needs to be notified each time the location of the system is moved... to ensure proper wireless coverage, etc.
Thanks!
Melina
5/11/2012 1:17 PMHi Joe!
The keychain is 3.5 inches tall and about 1 inch wide. It's very thin. It needs to be within 100ft of the Base Station to work. It's not officially a medical alert system, but if it's monitored, the monitoring center would send the police to help. If you truly need a med alert system, I'd recommend looking for systems that have that feature built in specifically.
Hope that helps!
Kimberly
11/13/2012 11:33 AMHi! I am interested in purchasing this for my family but wondered about the adhesive pulling paint off since we live in an apartment and move a lot, would this rip the paint off? Thank you for designing a great security product by the way! (^_^)v