Keep the season merry: Find tips to ensure safety during the holidays
Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas parties, and spending quality time with family are a few of the traditions we look forward to during the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season has more safety risks. Fortunately, following some easy tips and using a modern security system at your Dallas home can boost safety during the holidays.
Going out of town? Prevent intrusions at your Dallas home with advanced video cameras and automation
Traveling to visit relatives is a holiday custom, but leaving your Dallas property empty raises the danger of burglaries. But there is a way to reduce the risk. Modern home security systems allow you to keep tabs on your home regardless of your whereabouts with innovative surveillance. You can check live footage from your cameras through the home security app on your cell phone.
The best surveillance devices can actively defend your home from thieves. If someone comes within range, cameras will use visible and audible cues to scare them away. Here are serveral other ways you can avoid break-ins when you’re traveling:
- Set lights to activate at different times to make your home look inhabited
- Confirm that your home security signage is noticeable
- Access your cell phone app to ensure doors are secured and your system armed
- Don’t broadcast on social platforms that you’re leaving town
Defend against holiday porch pirates in Dallas
For many families, the holidays bring a steady flow of packages to your door. Don’t tempt thieves by leaving them on your stoop. Instead, get an instant update to your phone whenever something shows up so you are reminded to grab it.
If possible, schedule deliveries for when you’ll be present. Alternatively, ask a neighbor to take them in. You can open your door and disarm your system from your smartphone. If someone is knocking on your door, you can communicate with them through your doorbell camera’s two-way talk function.
Adhere to established fire safety during the holidays in your Dallas home
String lights, candles, Christmas trees, and family meals are common during the holidays, but they also increase the risk of fires. Here are a few tips for how to prevent them:
- Kitchen blazes rise during the holidays, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Maintain a close watch of a busy stovetop. Keep children clear of hot burners to prevent burns. Remember to follow manufacturer instructions when operating fryers.
- Water Christmas trees and keep them a safe distance from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Keep in mind that trees become more fire-prone as they dry.
- Don’t overwhelm electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Loose connections and older outlets are at risk of sparking and may result in fires.
- Burning candles are enchanting but also risky around decorations and trees. Use them wisely and always put out flames when exiting a room.
Monitored fire alarms are a fantastic way to improve your protection. When environmental sensors like fire alarms and CO detectors integrate with your home security, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be alerted when an alarm trips, whether you’re home or away.
Keep your family safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Dallas
Get all the tools you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and every day of the year from Vivint. Our Dallas smart security systems include modern features like cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored environmental alarms. Contact us at (469) 812-8953 and give your family the gift of improved protection this holiday season.