Keep the season festive: Explore tips to improve safety during the holidays

Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas gatherings, and spending precious moments with loved ones are several of the activities we look forward to during the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season also brings an increased number of safety risks. Fortunately, following some basic recommendations and using a modern security system at your Phoenix property can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Are you traveling? Avoid burglaries at your Phoenix home with advanced video cameras and automation

Traveling to see relatives is a cherished aspect of the holidays, but leaving your Phoenix property empty raises the danger of burglaries. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems allow you to keep tabs on your home no matter your whereabouts with advanced surveillance. You can view live streams from your video cameras through the home security app on your cell phone.

Top surveillance systems take an active role in safeguarding your home. If a person creeps within range, cameras will cast a light or emit a sound to frighten them away. Here are serveral other ways you can deter intrustions when you’re out: 

• Program lights to turn on at various moments to make your home seem inhabited
• Confirm that your home security signage is noticeable
• Access your cell phone app to ensure doors are locked and your alarm activated
• Don’t announce on social media that you’re traveling

Defend against seasonal porch pirates in Phoenix

For numerous families, the holidays mean a steady flow of packages to your door. Avoid tempting opportunistic criminals by leaving them outside. Rather, obtain an immediate alert to your mobile device whenever a package appears so you can collect it. 

When you can, arrange deliveries for when you’ll be present. When that’s not possible, have a neighbor bring them in. You can open your door and disarm your system from your smartphone. If a person is on your porch, you can communicate with them through your doorbell camera’s 2-way talk function. 

Adhere to accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Phoenix home 

String lights, candles, Christmas trees, and homemade meals are popular during the holidays, but they also heighten your risk of fires. Here are some tips on how to prevent them:

• Kitchen fires escalate during the holiday season, especially at Thanksgiving. Avoid turning your back on a busy stovetop. Keep children clear of hot burners to avoid burns. Be sure to adhere to manufacturer instructions when using fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees hydrated and a safe distance from fireplaces and candles. Keep in mind that trees grow more flammable as they dehydrate.
• Don’t overburden electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Insecure connections and damaged outlets are known to spark and may result in fires.
• Glowing candles are enchanting but also hazardous around trees and decorations. Position them thoughtfully and always extinguish flames when exiting an area.

Monitored fire alarms are an excellent way to enhance your protection. When sensors like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms integrate with your property’s security, you and your 24-7 monitoring professionals will be alerted when an alarm trips, whether you’re there or not.

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

Find all the equipment you need to remain safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Phoenix smart homes include innovative features like custom automation, monitored fire alarms and video cameras with active deterrence. Contact us at (602) 755-6051 and give your household the gift of better security this holiday season.