Keep the season merry: Find tips to ensure safety during the holidays
Chrismas gatherings, Thanksgiving meals, and enjoying quality time with loved ones are several of the activities we cherish over the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season also brings an increased number of safety risks. Thankfully, abiding by some basic guidelines and using a well-equipped security system at your Olympia property can boost safety during the holidays.
Are you traveling? Prevent break-ins at your Olympia home with modern video cameras and automation
Going to visit relatives is a holiday tradition, but leaving your Olympia property vacant ehances the threat of intrusions. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems let you monitor your house no matter your location with advanced surveillance. You are able to check live streams from your cameras with the smart home app on your cell phone.
Leading surveillance tools take an active role in protecting your home. If someone creeps within range, cameras will use audible and visible cues to send them running. Here are some additional ways you can deter intrustions when you’re away:
- Program lights to turn on at different intervals to make your house appear inhabited
- Make sure your home security sign is noticeable
- Check to verify doors are secured and your alarm is on through the smartphone app
- Avoid announcing on social networks that you’re traveling
Safeguard against Chrismastime porch pirates in Olympia
For numerous families, the holidays bring a consistent flow of packages to your door. Avoid attracting opportunistic criminals by allowing them to sit on your porch. Instead, receive an automatic notification to your phone whenever something appears so you can retrieve it.
When you can, schedule deliveries for when you’ll be present. Otherwise, have a neighbor take them in. You can open your door and temporarily turn off your alarm from your mobile device. If someone is at your door, you can communicate with them with your video doorbell’s bi-directional talk function.
Adhere to accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Olympia home
Christmas trees, candles, ornamental lights, and home-cooked meals are common during the holidays, but they also put you at risk for fires. Here are several tips for how to prevent them:
- Kitchen fires rise during the holidays, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Don’t turn your back on a busy stovetop. Keep kids clear of hot burners to avoid burns. Always follow manufacturer directions when using fryers.
- Water Christmas trees and keep them away from fireplaces and candles. Remember that trees grow more combustible as they dry.
- Avoid overburdening electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Insecure connections and damaged outlets are prone to sparks and may lead to fires.
- Burning candles are enchanting but also hazardous around decorations and trees. Place them thoughtfully and always blow out flames when stepping out of an area.
Monitored fire alarms are a great way to enhance your protection. When safety devices like CO detectors and fire alarms integrate with your home’s security, you and your 24-7 monitoring professionals will be alerted any time an alarm goes off, whether you’re home or away.
Keep your family safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Olympia
Discover all the equipment you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Olympia smart homes offer modern features like custom automation, monitored environmental alarms and video cameras with active deterrence. Reach us at (360) 996-1195 and give your family the gift of better security this season.