A surveillance system configured for communicating with video cameras and other devices connected over a power-line communication network, such as within a residence, or alternatively a commercial building. Primary nozzles provide washing fluid to the windshield during normal operations and secondary nozzles bathe the wiper arms with washing fluid to de-ice the wipers during a de-icing mode. The computer-implemented system may further comprise an alternate mailbox component separate from the primary mailbox component and associated with the user and the primary mailbox, operative to store email. Various sizes and shapes can be used to make the apparatus.