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

Chrismas parties, Thanksgiving meals, and enjoying precious moments with family are a few of the activities we appreciate around the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season has more safety risks. Fortunately, adhering to some simple tips and using a well-equipped security system at your Austin property can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Leaving town? Deter break-ins at your Austin home with advanced video cameras and automation

Traveling to see relatives is a cherished part of the holidays, but leaving your Austin home vacant ehances the danger of break-ins. But there is a way to reduce the risk. Modern home security systems allow you to watch over your house no matter your location with advanced surveillance. You are able to check real-time feeds from your video cameras via the smart home app on your cell phone.

The best surveillance devices can even actively safeguard your home from prowlers. If someone gets too close, cameras will cast a light or emit a sound to send them running. Here are a few more ways you can prevent intrustions when you’re away: 

• Set lights to turn on at various moments to make your home seem occupied
• Confirm that your home security yard sign is visible
• Access your smarphone app to ensure doors are locked and your system armed
• Avoid announcing on social platforms that you’re traveling

Defend against Chrismastime porch pirates in Austin

For many families, the holidays mean a steady stream of packages to your door. Don’t tempt opportunistic criminals by allowing them to sit on your porch. Rather, receive an automatic alert to your phone whenever a delivery appears so you are reminded to retrieve it. 

When you can, schedule deliveries for when you’ll be present. Otherwise, ask a neighbor to collect them. You can open your door and temporarily disarm your system from your smartphone. If a person is on your porch, you can speak to them through your doorbell camera’s 2-way talk function. 

Follow accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Austin home 

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

• Kitchen blazes rise during the holiday season, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Avoid turning your back on an active stovetop. Keep little ones at a distance to protect against burns. Always observe manufacturer guidelines when using fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees hydrated and a safe distance from fireplaces and candles. Keep in mind that trees get more flammable as they dry out.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Loose connections and older outlets are known to spark and may cause fires.
• Burning candles are beautiful but also hazardous around trees and other decor. Place them carefully and always put out flames when stepping out of an area.

Monitored fire alarms are a fantastic way to improve your protection. When environmental sensors like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms link to your home security, you and your dedicated monitoring agents will be notified whenever an alarm goes off, whether you’re there or not.

Keep your family safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Austin

Discover everything you need to remain safe during the holidays and every day of the year from Vivint. Our Austin smart homes include advanced features like cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored fire alarms. Reach us at (512) 229-9684 and give your family the gift of better security this holiday season.