Keep the season merry: Find tips to ensure safety during the holidays
Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas gatherings, and spending special moments with loved ones are some of the activities we appreciate over the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season also brings an increased number of safety risks. Luckily, abiding by some basic guidelines and using a modern security system at your Seattle residence can boost safety during the holidays.
Are you traveling? Prevent intrusions at your Seattle home with the latest video cameras and automation
Traveling to see relatives is a holiday tradition, but leaving your Seattle house vacant ehances the threat of break-ins. But there is a way to reduce the risk. Modern home security systems allow you to watch over your home regardless of where you are with advanced surveillance. You can access live footage from your cameras via the home security app on your cell phone.
Leading surveillance tools take an active approach to defending your home. If someone creeps too close, cameras will cast a light or produce a sound to send them running. Here are some additional ways you can prevent intrustions when you’re out:
- Set lights to activate at various moments to make your home seem active
- Make sure your home security signage is noticeable
- Go to your home security app to ensure doors are locked and your alarm activated
- Avoid sharing on social media that you’re leaving town
Protect against holiday porch pirates in Seattle
For countless families, the holidays bring a consistent flow of packages to your front door. Don’t tempt opportunistic criminals by leaving them outside. Rather, get an immediate notification to your phone whenever something shows up so you can collect it.
If possible, schedule deliveries for when you’re home. Alternatively, ask a neighbor to bring them in. You can unlock your door and temporarily deactivate your alarm from your smartphone. If someone is at your door, you can talk to them through your doorbell camera’s 2-way talk function.
Adhere to accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Seattle home
Christmas trees, candles, home-cooked meals, and decorative lights are a part of the holidays, but they also put you at risk for fires. Here are several tips on how to prevent them:
- Kitchen fires rise during the holidays, notably at Thanksgiving. Keep a close eye on a busy stovetop. Keep children away to protect against burns. Remember to follow manufacturer guidelines when using fryers.
- Hydrate Christmas trees and keep them clear of fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Keep in mind that trees grow more combustible as they dry out.
- Don’t overburden electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Loose connections and faulty outlets are prone to sparks and may result in fires.
- Glowing candles are lovely but also dangerous around trees and decorations. Use them carefully and always extinguish flames when exiting a room.
Monitored fire alarms are an excellent way to improve your protection. When environmental sensors like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms integrate with your home security, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will know any time an alarm trips, whether you’re on site or not.
Stay safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Seattle
Find all the equipment you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and every day of the year from Vivint. Our Seattle home security systems include innovative features like custom automation, monitored environmental alarms and video cameras with active deterrence. Contact us at (206) 590-6257 and give your household the gift of better security this holiday season.