Keep the season full of cheer: Discover tips to boost safety during the holidays

Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas parties, and enjoying quality time with family members are a few of the activities we appreciate during the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season also includes an increased number of safety risks. Fortunately, following some basic guidelines and using an advanced security system at your Waco property can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Are you traveling? Prevent burglaries at your Waco home with advanced video cameras and automation

Venturing out to see relatives is an important aspect of the holidays, but leaving your Waco home unoccupied increases the threat of intrusions. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems allow you to watch over your house regardless of your whereabouts with advanced surveillance. You may view real-time streams from your cameras with the smart home app on your smartphone.

Top surveillance devices take an active approach to protecting your home. If an individual comes too close, cameras will shine a light or generate a sound to scare them away. Here are some additional ways you can deter invasions when you’re traveling: 

• Schedule lights to come on at different intervals to make your house look occupied
• Ensure your home security sign is noticeable
• Check to confirm doors are locked and your alarm is set through the home security app
• Avoid announcing on social media that you’re traveling

Protect against holiday porch pirates in Waco

For numerous families, the holidays bring a constant flow of packages to your door. Avoid attracting thieves by letting them sit on your stoop. Rather, receive an immediate update to your phone whenever something arrives so you are reminded to collect it. 

Whenever possible, schedule deliveries for when you’ll be present. When that’s not possible, see if a neighbor can bring them in. You can unlock your door and temporarily disarm your system from your phone. If a person is at your door, you can speak to them with your doorbell camera’s two-way talk function. 

Adhere to proper fire safety during the holidays in your Waco home 

Decorative lights, candles, Christmas trees, and family meals are a part of the holidays, but they also put you at risk for fires. Here are some tips on how to avoid them:

• Cooking fires rise during the holidays, notably at Thanksgiving. Maintain a close watch of a busy stovetop. Keep kids away to avoid burns. Be sure to adhere to manufacturer instructions when operating fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees watered and a safe distance from fireplaces and candles. Be mindful that trees become more flammable as they dry out.
• Don’t overwhelm electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Loose connections and damaged outlets are prone to sparks and may result in fires.
• Lit candles are lovely but also hazardous around trees and other decor. Place them wisely and always put out flames when exiting an area.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to upgrade your protection. When environmental sensors like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors connect to your property’s security, you and your 24-hour monitoring specialists will be alerted whenever an alarm goes off, whether you’re there or away.

Remain safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Waco

Discover everything you need to stay safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Waco smart homes offer advanced features like custom automation, monitored fire alarms and cameras with active deterrence. Give us a call at (254) 970-3775 and give your loved ones the gift of better protection this holiday.