Most people put one camera over the front door and call it done. But break-ins, package theft and lost pets usually happen in the spots nobody is watching. Here are seven places in a typical South Florida home where a small security camera makes a real difference, and what to look for in each spot.
1. The front door, at face height
A camera mounted too high only records the top of a hat. Place it about 4 to 5 feet off the ground, angled slightly down, so you see faces and packages clearly. If you rent or can't drill, a digital peephole camera replaces your old peephole and shows visitors on a screen without opening the door.
2. The backyard and back door
Back doors and sliding glass doors are common entry points because they are hidden from the street. An outdoor-rated camera with night vision covers the yard, the pool area and the door at the same time. Look for weather resistance (IP65 or better) for Florida rain and humidity. The Wyze Cam OG is rated IP65 and records in color at night.
3. The garage
Garages hold bikes, tools and often the door into the house. A camera inside the garage tells you if the door was left open and who walked in. Motion alerts on your phone are the key feature here.
4. The driveway
A wide view of the driveway records cars coming and going, and it helps if a car gets hit or broken into. Mount the camera on the corner of the house so it sees the whole driveway and part of the street.
5. Side gates and walkways
The narrow path along the side of the house is the route people use to reach the backyard without being seen. One small camera pointed down that walkway covers it completely. If you have an automatic gate, an infrared gate safety sensor also keeps the gate from closing on people, pets or cars.
6. The main living area
An indoor camera in the living room shows you what happens while you are away: kids getting home from school, a dog walker, or a contractor working inside. A pan-and-tilt model like the Wyze Cam Pan v4 turns 360° and follows movement, so one camera can cover a whole room.
7. Where your pets spend the day
Pets are family. A small camera near their bed or food bowl lets you check on them and, with two-way audio, even talk to them. A mini WiFi camera with a magnetic mount fits on a shelf or the fridge without tools.
A few simple tips
- Check your WiFi signal at each spot before mounting.
- Use a MicroSD card if you don't want a monthly subscription.
- Avoid pointing cameras at your neighbors' windows or private areas.
- Turn on motion alerts only for the zones that matter, so your phone doesn't buzz all day.
Not sure which camera fits your home? Write to us at info@housemanagersfl.com. Security Mia is part of House Managers of South Florida, taking care of homes in Miami-Dade and Broward since 1992. We speak English and Spanish.