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

Chrismas gatherings, Thanksgiving feasts, and spending special moments with loved ones are a few of the activities we cherish during the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season also brings some unique safety risks. Fortunately, adhering to some basic tips and using an advanced security system at your Jefferson City property can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Going out of town? Prevent break-ins at your Jefferson City home with modern video cameras and automation

Traveling to see relatives is a big aspect of the holidays, but leaving your Jefferson City home unoccupied raises the danger of burglaries. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems let you watch over your house regardless of your whereabouts with innovative surveillance. You can view live streams from your video cameras through the smart home app on your smartphone.

The best surveillance tools can actively protect your home from thieves. If someone comes too close, cameras will use audible and visible cues to frighten them away. Here are a few more ways you can deter intrustions when you’re traveling: 

• Set lights to activate at different moments to make your home look active
• Confirm that your home security yard sign is noticeable
• Check to confirm doors are locked and your system is armed through the home security app
• Avoid sharing on social media that you’re traveling

Defend against seasonal porch pirates in Jefferson City

For countless families, the holidays mean a steady flow of packages to your door. Avoid enticing thieves by letting them sit on your stoop. Alternatively, obtain an automatic notification to your smartphone whenever something appears so you know to collect it. 

If possible, arrange deliveries for when you’re home. Otherwise, have a neighbor collect them. You can disarm your system and open your door from your smartphone. If someone is on your porch, you can speak to them with your video doorbell’s two-way talk function. 

Practice proper fire safety during the holidays in your Jefferson City home 

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

• Cooking fires increase during the holidays, especially at Thanksgiving. Maintain a close watch of a busy stovetop. Keep kids away to protect against burns. Be sure to follow manufacturer instructions when using fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees hydrated and a safe distance from fireplaces and candles. Be mindful that trees become more flammable as they dry.
• Avoid overburdening electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Insecure connections and faulty outlets are at risk of sparking and may lead to fires.
• Lit candles are beautiful but also dangerous around trees and decorations. Position them thoughtfully and always put out flames when leaving a space.

Monitored fire alarms are an excellent way to enhance your protection. When sensors like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors integrate with your property’s security, you and your dedicated monitoring agents will know any time an alarm sounds, whether you’re there or not.

Stay safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Jefferson City

Discover all the equipment you need to remain safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Jefferson City smart homes offer advanced features like surveillance systems with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored environmental alarms. Give us a call at (573) 498-8565 and give your loved ones the gift of improved protection this holiday.