Keep the season merry: Find tips to ensure safety during the holidays
Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas parties, and enjoying special moments with loved ones are some of the things we appreciate during the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season also brings more safety risks. Luckily, adhering to some basic guidelines and using a well-equipped security system at your Columbus home can improve safety during the holidays.
Going out of town? Prevent intrusions at your Columbus home with advanced video cameras and automation
Going to see relatives is a holiday tradition, but leaving your Columbus property empty raises the risk of break-ins. But there is a way to reduce the risk. Modern home security systems permit you to watch over your property no matter your whereabouts with the latest surveillance. You can check live streams from your cameras via the home security app on your mobile device.
Leading surveillance systems take an active role in defending your home. If a person gets too close, cameras will use audible and visible warnings to send them running. Here are a few more ways you can avoid intrustions when you’re traveling:
- Schedule lights to come on at different moments to make your house appear active
- Make sure your home security sign is visible
- Check to confirm doors are locked and your alarm is on through the smartphone app
- Don’t broadcast on social platforms that you’re leaving town
Protect against seasonal porch pirates in Columbus
For many families, the holidays include a consistent flow of packages to the front door. Don’t entice thieves by allowing them to sit on your stoop. Instead, receive an immediate notification to your smartphone whenever a package appears so you know to retrieve it.
If possible, schedule deliveries for when you’re home. Alternatively, have a neighbor collect them. You can deactivate your alarm and open your door from your phone. If a person is on your porch, you can speak to them via your video doorbell’s two-way talk function.
Practice accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Columbus home
Christmas trees, candles, ornamental lights, and home-cooked meals are a part of the holidays, but they also heighten your risk of fires. Here are some tips on how to circumvent them:
- Kitchen blazes escalate during the holidays, especially at Thanksgiving. Maintain a close watch of a busy stovetop. Keep kids away to avoid burns. Always observe manufacturer instructions when cooking with fryers.
- Hydrate Christmas trees and keep them clear of fireplaces and candles. Be mindful that trees become more combustible as they dry out.
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Loose connections and older outlets are known to spark and may cause fires.
- Glowing candles are lovely but also hazardous around decorations and trees. Position them wisely and always blow out flames when leaving a room.
Monitored fire alarms are a great way to enhance your protection. When safety devices like CO detectors and fire alarms link to your home’s security, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will be alerted whenever an alarm sounds, whether you’re there or away.
Keep your family safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Columbus
Discover all the tools you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and every day of the year from Vivint. Our Columbus smart security systems offer modern features like custom automation, monitored environmental alarms and surveillance with active deterrence. Reach us at (614) 820-1364 and give your household the gift of improved protection this season.