Keep the season full of cheer: Discover tips to boost safety during the holidays
Chrismas gatherings, Thanksgiving meals, and sharing quality time with loved ones are a few of the activities we cherish during the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season also includes some unique safety risks. Luckily, following some simple recommendations and using an advanced security system at your Springfield home can improve safety during the holidays.
Going out of town? Deter intrusions at your Springfield home with modern video cameras and automation
Going to visit relatives is a big aspect of the holidays, but leaving your Springfield house empty raises the risk of break-ins. But there is a way to reduce the risk. Modern home security systems allow you to watch over your house regardless of your location with innovative surveillance. You can access live streams from your video cameras via the smart home app on your smartphone.
The best surveillance systems can even actively defend your home from prowlers. If an individual creeps within range, cameras will beam a light or generate a sound to send them running. Here are a few more ways you can avoid intrustions when you’re out:
- Set lights to turn on at different moments to make your home seem occupied
- Ensure your home security sign is visible
- Check your home security app to ensure doors are secured and your alarm activated
- Avoid announcing on social platforms that you’re traveling
Defend against seasonal porch pirates in Springfield
For countless families, the holidays mean a constant wave of packages to your front door. Don’t attract prowlers by leaving them outside. Rather, get an automatic update to your mobile device whenever a delivery shows up so you know to retrieve it.
Whenever possible, plan deliveries for when you’ll be present. Otherwise, have a neighbor collect them. You can deactivate your alarm and unlock your door from your phone. If somebody is knocking on your door, you can talk to them through your doorbell camera’s two-way talk function.
Adhere to established fire safety during the holidays in your Springfield home
Christmas trees, candles, decorative lights, and homemade meals are common during the holidays, but they also heighten your risk of fires. Here are several tips for how to avoid them:
- Kitchen blazes escalate during the holidays, especially at Thanksgiving. Maintain a close watch of a crowded stovetop. Keep children clear of hot burners to prevent burns. Remember to observe manufacturer directions when using fryers.
- Water Christmas trees and keep them away from fireplaces and candles. Remember that trees grow more fire-prone as they dehydrate.
- Avoid overburdening electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Improper connections and damaged outlets are known to spark and may cause fires.
- Burning candles are beautiful but also dangerous around trees and other decor. Place them wisely and always blow out flames when leaving a room.
Monitored fire alarms are an excellent way to enhance your protection. When environmental sensors like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms connect to your home security, you and your dedicated monitoring agents will know any time an alarm trips, whether you’re there or away.
Keep your family safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Springfield
Get all the equipment you need to stay safe during the holidays and every day of the year from Vivint. Our Springfield smart security systems include innovative features like custom automation, monitored environmental alarms and cameras with active deterrence. Contact us at (217) 627-6647 and give your loved ones the gift of better protection this holiday.