Keep the season festive: Explore tips to improve safety during the holidays
Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas parties, and spending special moments with loved ones are some of the things we appreciate over the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season has more safety risks. Thankfully, adhering to some basic guidelines and using a well-equipped security system at your Killeen property can improve safety during the holidays.
Going out of town? Deter burglaries at your Killeen home with the latest video cameras and automation
Going to spend time with relatives is a holiday custom, but leaving your Killeen home vacant ehances the risk of intrusions. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems permit you to keep tabs on your house regardless of your whereabouts with advanced surveillance. You are able to check real-time footage from your cameras with the smart home app on your mobile device.
Leading surveillance devices take an active role in defending your home. If an individual gets too close, cameras will generate a sound or shine a light to send them running. Here are some additional ways you can prevent intrustions when you’re traveling:
- Program lights to turn on at different moments to make your home seem occupied
- Confirm that your home security yard sign is visible
- Check to confirm doors are secured and your alarm is set through the mobile app
- Don’t broadcast on social networks that you’re leaving town
Protect against holiday porch pirates in Killeen
For many families, the holidays bring a steady stream of packages to your door. Avoid enticing opportunistic criminals by allowing them to sit on your stoop. Alternatively, obtain an immediate alert to your mobile device whenever a package arrives so you are reminded to collect it.
Whenever possible, schedule deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. Alternatively, have a neighbor collect them. You can disarm your system and open your door from your smartphone. If someone is knocking on your door, you can talk to them with your video doorbell’s 2-way talk function.
Follow proper fire safety during the holidays in your Killeen home
Christmas trees, candles, home-cooked meals, and ornamental lights 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 increase during the holidays, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Keep a close eye on a crowded stovetop. Keep kids at a distance to prevent burns. Remember to follow manufacturer guidelines when using fryers.
- Keep Christmas trees hydrated and clear of fireplaces and candles. Keep in mind that trees become more combustible as they dry.
- Don’t overload electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Improper connections and older outlets are prone to sparks and may result in fires.
- Burning candles are lovely but also dangerous around trees and decorations. Position them wisely and always blow out flames when stepping out of a space.
Monitored fire alarms are a fantastic way to enhance your protection. When sensors like fire alarms and CO detectors integrate with your property’s security, you and your dedicated monitoring specialists will know when an alarm trips, whether you’re there or not.
Stay safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Killeen
Discover everything you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Killeen smart homes offer modern features like custom automation, monitored environmental alarms and surveillance with active deterrence. Reach us at (254) 351-0495 and give your household the gift of better security this season.