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

Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas parties, and spending special moments with family are some of the things we cherish during the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season also includes some unique safety risks. Fortunately, following some easy guidelines and using an advanced security system at your Kalamazoo property can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Going out of town? Deter break-ins at your Kalamazoo home with the latest video cameras and automation

Venturing out to see relatives is a holiday custom, but leaving your Kalamazoo property unoccupied raises the threat of break-ins. But there is a way to reduce the risk. Modern home security systems let you watch over your property no matter your whereabouts with the latest surveillance. You can view live feeds from your cameras via the smart home app on your mobile device.

Top surveillance tools can actively protect your home from thieves. If an individual creeps within range, cameras will beam a light or produce a sound to frighten them away. Here are serveral other ways you can prevent intrustions when you’re away: 

• Set lights to turn on at various times to make your house seem inhabited
• Make sure your home security signage is visible
• Check to confirm doors are locked and your system is armed through the home security app
• Avoid announcing on social media that you’re going out of town

Defend against holiday porch pirates in Kalamazoo

For numerous families, the holidays mean a steady flow of packages to your door. Avoid enticing prowlers by letting them sit outside. Rather, receive an instant notification to your mobile device whenever a package appears so you are reminded to grab it. 

Whenever possible, arrange deliveries for when you’ll be present. When that’s not possible, ask a neighbor to take them in. You can deactivate your alarm and unlock your door from your mobile device. If someone is knocking on your door, you can communicate with them through your video doorbell’s bi-directional talk function. 

Adhere to established fire safety during the holidays in your Kalamazoo home 

Christmas trees, candles, ornamental lights, and homemade meals are a part of the holidays, but they also increase the risk of fires. Here are some tips on how to avoid them:

• Cooking fires increase during the holidays, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Avoid turning your back on an active stovetop. Keep little ones clear of hot burners to protect against burns. Always adhere to manufacturer guidelines when cooking with fryers.
• Water Christmas trees and keep them clear of fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Keep in mind that trees become more fire-prone as they dry.
• Don’t overburden electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Insecure connections and faulty outlets are known to spark and may cause fires.
• Glowing candles are beautiful but also risky around trees and other decor. Position them wisely and always extinguish flames when exiting a room.

Monitored fire alarms are a fantastic way to enhance your protection. When environmental sensors like fire alarms and CO detectors connect to your home security, you and your 24-hour monitoring professionals will be alerted whenever an alarm trips, whether you’re on site or away.

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

Find all the tools you need to stay safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Kalamazoo smart homes include modern features like surveillance systems with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored fire alarms. Give us a call at (269) 280-0186 and give your loved ones the gift of improved protection this holiday.