Keep the season merry: Find tips to ensure safety during the holidays

Chrismas get-togethers, Thanksgiving feasts, and enjoying special moments with loved ones are a few of the things we cherish around the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season has more safety risks. Fortunately, following some simple guidelines and using a well-equipped security system at your Decatur home can improve safety during the holidays.

Are you traveling? Deter break-ins at your Decatur home with the latest video cameras and automation

Traveling to visit relatives is a holiday custom, but leaving your Decatur house unoccupied ehances the threat of break-ins. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems allow you to monitor your property no matter your location with advanced surveillance. You can access real-time streams from your cameras with the smart home app on your smartphone.

Top surveillance tools take an active role in defending your home. If an individual creeps within range, cameras will use visible and audible deterrences to scare them away. Here are some additional ways you can avoid intrustions when you’re out: 

• Set lights to come on at different intervals to make your home appear active
• Confirm that your home security yard sign is noticeable
• Go to your home security app to ensure doors are locked and your alarm is set
• Avoid sharing on social networks that you’re going out of town

Protect against Chrismastime porch pirates in Decatur

For many families, the holidays mean a constant wave of packages to your door. Don’t entice prowlers by leaving them on your porch. Instead, receive an automatic update to your mobile device whenever a delivery shows up so you know to grab it. 

If possible, schedule deliveries for when you’ll be present. Otherwise, ask a neighbor to take them in. You can deactivate your alarm and unlock your door from your mobile device. If somebody is on your porch, you can talk to them with your video doorbell’s two-way talk function. 

Practice proper fire safety during the holidays in your Decatur home 

Christmas trees, candles, ornamental lights, and homemade meals are common during the holidays, but they also heighten your risk of fires. Here are some tips for how to avoid them:

• Kitchen fires rise during the holiday season, especially at Thanksgiving. Maintain a close watch of a crowded stovetop. Keep children clear of hot burners to prevent burns. Always adhere to manufacturer guidelines when operating fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees watered and away from fireplaces and candles. Keep in mind that trees become more fire-prone as they dehydrate.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Insecure connections and damaged outlets are prone to sparks and may lead to fires.
• Glowing candles are beautiful but also risky around trees and other decor. Use them thoughtfully and always put out flames when stepping out of an area.

Monitored fire alarms are an excellent way to improve your protection. When environmental sensors like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors connect to your home security, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will be notified whenever an alarm sounds, whether you’re on site or not.

Stay safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Decatur

Discover all the equipment you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and every day of the year from Vivint. Our Decatur smart homes give you modern features like custom automation, monitored environmental alarms and surveillance with active deterrence. Reach us at (256) 305-1902 and give your family the gift of better security this holiday.