Keep the season full of cheer: Discover tips to boost safety during the holidays
Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas get-togethers, and enjoying special moments with family are a few of the traditions we appreciate over the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season has more safety risks. Fortunately, following some basic recommendations and using a well-equipped security system at your Peoria residence can improve safety during the holidays.
Going out of town? Prevent break-ins at your Peoria home with advanced video cameras and automation
Going to spend time with relatives is an important part of the holidays, but leaving your Peoria house empty increases the danger of burglaries. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems permit you to keep tabs on your home no matter your whereabouts with advanced surveillance. You can access live feeds from your cameras via the smart home app on your mobile device.
The best surveillance systems take an active role in safeguarding your home. If someone creeps too close, cameras will use audible and visible cues to send them running. Here are a few more ways you can avoid break-ins when you’re away:
- Set lights to come on at various times to make your house look occupied
- Ensure your home security sign is visible
- Go to your cell phone app to ensure doors are secured and your system armed
- Avoid announcing on social media that you’re traveling
Safeguard against Chrismastime porch pirates in Peoria
For countless families, the holidays bring a constant flow of packages to your door. Don’t tempt opportunistic criminals by letting them sit on your porch. Instead, obtain an automatic update to your mobile device whenever something shows up so you know to collect it.
When you can, plan deliveries for when you’re home. 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 through your video doorbell’s bi-directional talk function.
Adhere to accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Peoria home
Christmas trees, candles, home-cooked meals, and ornamental lights are popular during the holidays, but they also put you at risk for fires. Here are some tips for how to circumvent them:
- Kitchen fires rise during the holiday season, especially at Thanksgiving. Avoid turning your back on a crowded stovetop. Keep little ones away to protect against burns. Remember to adhere to manufacturer guidelines when cooking with fryers.
- Hydrate Christmas trees and keep them a safe distance from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Remember that trees grow more flammable as they dry out.
- Don’t overburden electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Loose connections and faulty outlets are at risk of sparking and may cause fires.
- Glowing candles are beautiful but also dangerous around trees and other decor. Use them thoughtfully and always put out flames when leaving an area.
Monitored fire alarms are a fantastic way to upgrade your protection. When safety devices like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors link to your home security, you and your 24-7 monitoring professionals will be alerted when an alarm trips, whether you’re on site or not.
Stay safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Peoria
Get all the tools you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Peoria smart homes give you modern features like cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored fire alarms. Reach us at (309) 332-1063 and give your loved ones the gift of better security this holiday season.