Add a Response Layer to Home Security with Zuluhood: Connection Guide

With Zuluhood, you can enhance your home security system by adding and improving a crucial response layer. When an alarm connected to Zuluhood is triggered, it immediately alerts your household members (Tribe), designated neighbors (Watchers), and, if you choose, your selected alarm monitoring company. The app also opens a direct communication channel, ensuring you get prompt, on-demand support from your trusted network and professional services.

You can use Zuluhood to enhance various sensors and smart home devices you already have at home. Here’s how Zuluhood adds an extra layer of protection:

WATER LEAKAGE DETECTION

Imagine you're away on vacation and a pipe bursts. Zuluhood connects your water leakage sensors to your designated neighbors, who can shut off the water valve and address the issue before it causes significant damage.

UNEXPECTED MOTION DETECTION

If your camera detects unexpected motion while you're away and your phone is off or silenced, Zuluhood will immediately alert your neighbors and local security services. They can check your property and deter any potential intruders. When you check your phone later, you'll already have all the updates in the Zuluhood app.

PERSONAL PANIC ALARM

With just your phone, you can initiate a panic alarm through the Zuluhood app. This can be triggered by you or any member of your Tribe to whom you've granted access, such as children or elderly individuals. When activated, the alarm alerts the neighbors you've added as Watchers and the local security professionals you've chosen.

What Devices Are Supported?

Zuluhood is designed to work with a wide range of smart home devices, so you likely already have some of them at home. Zuluhood focuses on providing alerts and responses, regardless of the specific devices you use. You can integrate your existing setup with Zuluhood using two main methods: IFTTT and webhooks.

DEVICES THAT CONNECT TO ZULUHOOD VIA IFTTT

IFTTT (If This Then That) is a platform that helps you connect your devices easily. Here are some examples of devices and platforms that work with Zuluhood through IFTTT:

• Water Leak Detectors:

• Honeywell Home Compatible Water Leak Detectors

• D-Link Water Sensor

• Notion Water Sensor

• Smoke and Fire Detectors:

• Honeywell Home Compatible Smoke and Fire Detectors

• First Alert Fire Detectors

• Wyze Smoke and CO Detectors

• Gas Detectors:

• Tuya Methane Gas Sensor (for natural gas detection)

• Cameras:

• Ezviz Cameras

• Wyze Cameras

• Blink Cameras

• Arlo Cameras

• Smart Home Platforms:

• SmartThings

• Homey

• Google Home (for voice alerts or any sensor acting as a trigger)

You can find more detailed instructions on how to connect devices using IFTTT in our IFTTT Guide.

DEVICES THAT CONNECT TO ZULUHOOD VIA WEBHOOKS

Webhooks provide a direct connection between your devices and Zuluhood. Here’s a list of devices and platforms compatible with Zuluhood through webhooks:

• Smart Home Hubs:

• Home Assistant (and any connected camera or sensor)

• Homey (and any connected camera or sensor)

• Hubitat (and any connected camera or sensor)

• HomeKit (and any connected camera or sensor)

• NVRs:

• Blue Iris NVR

Webhooks offer a more secure and direct connection, but may require more technical setup. For detailed instructions on using webhooks, refer to our Webhook Guide.

IFTTT vs. Webhooks – Which is Right for You?

When setting up Zuluhood to work with your existing smart home devices, you have two main options for integration: IFTTT and webhooks. Each has its own advantages and is suited to different needs. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you choose the best method for enhancing your home security.

IFTTT (If This Then That):

Pro:

• Ease of Use: IFTTT is designed for simplicity. Its user-friendly interface allows you to quickly set up connections using pre-configured applets. This is ideal for those who prefer a straightforward setup without needing to delve into technical details.

Con:

• Limited Customization: IFTTT is great for straightforward integrations, but it offers less flexibility for complex or specialized setups. Additionally, if you have a lot of devices, you may need to subscribe to a premium plan on IFTTT.

Webhooks:

Pros:

• Direct Integration: Webhooks provide direct and immediate communication between your devices and Zuluhood, ideal for quick responses and urgent notifications.

• Advanced Options: Webhooks allow for detailed control over how your triggers and data are handled, which is great for complex needs.

Con:

• Technical Setup: Setting up webhooks can be more complicated and may require some technical know-how. If you’re not comfortable with this, it might be a bit challenging.

The method you choose will also depend on the specific device you want to connect. After checking which method your devices support, you can follow these detailed guides to get started: