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

Chrismas get-togethers, Thanksgiving feasts, and enjoying special moments with family are some of the things we cherish during the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season also includes more safety risks. Fortunately, adhering to some easy recommendations and using a modern security system at your Erie residence can improve safety during the holidays.

Going out of town? Avoid burglaries at your Erie home with advanced video cameras and automation

Traveling to see relatives is a big element of the holidays, but leaving your Erie property vacant increases the threat of break-ins. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems allow you to monitor your home regardless of your location with the latest surveillance. You can access real-time streams from your cameras with the smart home app on your mobile device.

Top surveillance systems take an active role in safeguarding your home. If an individual gets within range, cameras will use audible and visible deterrences to frighten them away. Here are serveral other ways you can prevent invasions when you’re out: 

• Schedule lights to come on at different intervals to make your house seem occupied
• Make sure your home security sign is in clear view
• Go to your cell phone app to ensure doors are locked and your system armed
• Avoid broadcasting on social platforms that you’re going out of town

Safeguard against holiday porch pirates in Erie

For many families, the holidays mean a consistent flow of packages to your front door. Avoid enticing thieves by letting them sit outside. Instead, obtain an instant update to your smartphone whenever a delivery shows up so you can grab it. 

When you can, plan deliveries for when you’re home. Otherwise, have a neighbor bring them in. You can turn off your alarm and open your door from your mobile device. If someone is at your door, you can talk to them with your video doorbell’s 2-way talk function. 

Follow accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Erie home 

Christmas trees, candles, string lights, and home-cooked meals are a part of the holidays, but they also put you at risk for fires. Here are several tips for how to circumvent them:

• Kitchen fires escalate during the holiday season, notably at Thanksgiving. Always keep tabs on a crowded stovetop. Keep little ones away to prevent burns. Always follow manufacturer guidelines when cooking with fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees hydrated and clear of fireplaces and candles. Remember that trees grow more fire-prone as they dry.
• Don’t overwhelm electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Improper connections and faulty outlets are prone to sparks and may cause fires.
• Burning candles are beautiful but also dangerous around decorations and trees. Place them carefully and always extinguish flames when stepping out of a space.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to improve your protection. When sensors like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms link to your property’s security, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will know any time an alarm trips, whether you’re home or not.

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

Discover all the tools you need to remain safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Erie home security systems offer innovative features like video cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored fire alarms. Give us a call at (814) 992-4902 and give your household the gift of better security this season.