Keep the season full of cheer: Discover tips to boost safety during the holidays
Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas get-togethers, and enjoying precious moments with loved ones are some of the traditions we look forward to over the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season has some unique safety risks. Thankfully, following some easy guidelines and using an advanced security system at your Athens residence can help ensure safety during the holidays.
Are you traveling? Deter break-ins at your Athens home with modern video cameras and automation
Going to visit relatives is a holiday custom, but leaving your Athens house vacant raises the risk of break-ins. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems allow you to watch over your home no matter where you are with the latest surveillance. You may view real-time streams from your video cameras via the smart home app on your mobile device.
The best surveillance tools can even actively protect your home from prowlers. If a person gets within range, cameras will use audible and visible warnings to scare them away. Here are some additional ways you can avoid intrustions when you’re out:
- Program lights to turn on at various moments to make your home look inhabited
- Ensure your home security signage is noticeable
- Go to your cell phone app to ensure doors are locked and your alarm activated
- Avoid broadcasting on social media that you’re going out of town
Safeguard against holiday porch pirates in Athens
For many families, the holidays mean a consistent stream of packages to your front door. Avoid tempting opportunistic criminals by leaving them on your stoop. Alternatively, receive an immediate update to your phone whenever a package shows up so you can grab it.
When you can, arrange deliveries for when you’ll be present. Otherwise, ask a neighbor to take them in. You can disarm your system and unlock your door from your mobile device. If somebody is knocking on your door, you can communicate with them with your video doorbell’s 2-way talk function.
Practice proper fire safety during the holidays in your Athens home
String lights, candles, Christmas trees, and home-cooked meals are common during the holidays, but they also heighten your risk of fires. Here are several tips on how to prevent them:
- Kitchen fires rise during the holiday season, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Keep a close eye on a busy stovetop. Keep little ones away to protect against burns. Be sure to observe manufacturer directions when using fryers.
- Keep Christmas trees watered and away from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Keep in mind that trees get more combustible as they dehydrate.
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Improper connections and older outlets are prone to sparks and may lead to fires.
- Glowing candles are enchanting but also risky around decorations and trees. Place them wisely and always put out flames when stepping out of a room.
Monitored fire alarms are a great way to improve your protection. When safety devices like CO detectors and fire alarms integrate with your home security, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will be notified any time an alarm trips, whether you’re on site or away.
Stay safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Athens
Get all the equipment you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Athens smart homes offer innovative features like surveillance systems with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored fire alarms. Reach us at (706) 800-8603 and give your household the gift of improved protection this holiday season.