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

Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas gatherings, and enjoying special moments with family are a few of the activities we cherish around the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season has an increased number of safety risks. Thankfully, abiding by some basic recommendations and using a well-equipped security system at your Philadelphia residence can improve safety during the holidays.

Leaving town? Prevent burglaries at your Philadelphia home with advanced video cameras and automation

Venturing out to see relatives is a big part of the holidays, but leaving your Philadelphia home unoccupied ehances the threat of break-ins. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems permit you to monitor your home no matter where you are with advanced surveillance. You are able to check live feeds from your video cameras via the smart home app on your smartphone.

Top surveillance systems take an active approach to protecting your home. If an individual creeps too close, cameras will generate a sound or shine a light to send them running. Here are serveral other ways you can avoid break-ins when you’re traveling: 

• Schedule lights to turn on at different intervals to make your home appear active
• Confirm that your home security signage is in clear view
• Check your smarphone app to ensure doors are locked and your alarm activated
• Avoid broadcasting on social platforms that you’re leaving town

Defend against Chrismastime porch pirates in Philadelphia

For countless families, the holidays include a consistent flow of packages to the front door. Don’t attract prowlers by letting them sit outside. Alternatively, receive an automatic notification to your phone whenever a package arrives so you know to collect it. 

When you can, plan deliveries for when you’re home. Alternatively, see if a neighbor can bring them in. You can unlock your door and deactivate your alarm from your smartphone. If somebody is on your porch, you can communicate with them through your video doorbell’s two-way talk function. 

Practice established fire safety during the holidays in your Philadelphia home 

Christmas trees, candles, family meals, and ornamental lights are a part of the holidays, but they also increase the risk of fires. Here are several tips on how to circumvent them:

• Kitchen fires escalate during the holiday season, notably at Thanksgiving. Keep a close eye on a busy stovetop. Keep children clear of hot burners to protect against burns. Be sure to follow manufacturer instructions when cooking with fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees hydrated and away from fireplaces and candles. Be mindful that trees get more flammable as they dehydrate.
• Don’t overwhelm electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Loose connections and older outlets are at risk of sparking and may result in fires.
• Lit candles are lovely but also dangerous around decorations and trees. Position them thoughtfully and always extinguish flames when leaving an area.

Monitored fire alarms are an excellent way to improve your protection. When environmental sensors like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors integrate with your home’s security, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will know any time an alarm sounds, whether you’re on site or away.

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

Discover all the tools you need to stay safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Philadelphia smart homes offer advanced features like video cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored fire alarms. Reach us at (267) 493-0789 and give your household the gift of improved protection this holiday season.