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

Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas get-togethers, and enjoying quality time with family members are some of the things we appreciate around the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season also brings some unique safety risks. Fortunately, following some simple tips and using a modern security system at your Raleigh home can improve safety during the holidays.
Going out of town? Avoid burglaries at your Raleigh home with the latest video cameras and automation
Venturing out to see relatives is a holiday tradition, but leaving your Raleigh property vacant raises the danger of break-ins. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems allow you to watch over your property regardless of where you are with the latest surveillance. You are able to access live feeds from your cameras through the smart home app on your smartphone.
The best surveillance tools can actively defend your home from thieves. If someone creeps too close, cameras will emit a sound or cast a light to frighten them away. Here are serveral other ways you can avoid intrustions when you’re traveling:
- Set lights to activate at different times to make your home seem occupied
- Confirm that your home security yard sign is visible
- Go to your cell phone app to ensure doors are locked and your alarm is set
- Avoid broadcasting on social platforms that you’re going out of town
Protect against seasonal porch pirates in Raleigh
For numerous families, the holidays mean a constant flow of packages to your front door. Don’t attract thieves by leaving them on your porch. Instead, obtain an automatic notification to your mobile device whenever a package shows up so you know to grab it.
When you can, schedule deliveries for when you’ll be present. Alternatively, have a neighbor bring them in. You can unlock your door and turn off your alarm from your phone. If somebody is at your door, you can communicate with them with your doorbell camera’s bi-directional talk function.
Practice accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Raleigh home
Christmas trees, candles, ornamental lights, and homemade meals are popular during the holidays, but they also put you at risk for fires. Here are a few tips for how to prevent them:
- Cooking fires rise during the holiday season, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Always keep tabs on a crowded stovetop. Keep little ones at a distance to prevent burns. Be sure to observe manufacturer directions when operating fryers.
- Keep Christmas trees hydrated and clear of fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Be mindful that trees become more fire-prone as they dry.
- Don’t overburden electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Improper connections and faulty outlets are known to spark and may lead to fires.
- Burning candles are lovely but also risky around decorations and trees. Use them thoughtfully and always blow out flames when exiting an area.
Monitored fire alarms are a great way to upgrade your protection. When sensors like fire alarms and CO detectors connect to your home’s security, you and your dedicated monitoring professionals will know any time an alarm sounds, whether you’re there or away.
Keep your family safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Raleigh
Find everything you need to remain safe during the holidays and every day of the year from Vivint. Our Raleigh smart homes offer advanced features like custom automation, monitored environmental alarms and surveillance with active deterrence. Contact us at (919) 899-2155 and give your household the gift of better protection this holiday.