Keep the season festive: Explore tips to improve safety during the holidays

Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas gatherings, and spending special moments with family are several of the things we cherish during the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season also includes some unique safety risks. Thankfully, following some simple recommendations and using an advanced security system at your Scottsdale property can boost safety during the holidays.

Are you traveling? Avoid intrusions at your Scottsdale home with modern video cameras and automation

Traveling to see relatives is a cherished aspect of the holidays, but leaving your Scottsdale property vacant ehances the danger of break-ins. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems permit you to watch over your property no matter where you are with innovative surveillance. You are able to view live feeds from your video cameras via the smart home app on your cell phone.

Leading surveillance tools take an active role in defending your home. If an individual comes within range, cameras will cast a light or generate a sound to send them running. Here are serveral other ways you can avoid intrustions when you’re away: 

• Set lights to turn on at various intervals to make your home appear active
• Confirm that your home security signage is visible
• Make sure doors are locked and your system is armed through the home security app
• Avoid broadcasting on social networks that you’re traveling

Defend against seasonal porch pirates in Scottsdale

For numerous families, the holidays bring a consistent stream of packages to the front door. Don’t entice opportunistic criminals by allowing them to sit outside. Alternatively, obtain an instant notification to your mobile device whenever a package arrives so you know to collect it. 

Whenever possible, schedule deliveries for when you’re home. When that’s not possible, have a neighbor bring them in. You can deactivate your alarm and open your door from your smartphone. If a person is on your porch, you can communicate with them through your video doorbell’s bi-directional talk function. 

Follow proper fire safety during the holidays in your Scottsdale home 

Christmas trees, candles, decorative lights, and homemade meals are popular during the holidays, but they also put you at risk for fires. Here are some tips for how to prevent them:

• Cooking fires escalate during the holiday season, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Avoid turning your back on a busy stovetop. Keep kids away to avoid burns. Be sure to adhere to manufacturer instructions when cooking with fryers.
• Hydrate Christmas trees and keep them away from fireplaces and candles. Keep in mind that trees get more flammable as they dry out.
• Avoid overburdening electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Loose connections and faulty outlets are at risk of sparking and may result in fires.
• Burning candles are beautiful but also hazardous around trees and decorations. Place them thoughtfully and always blow out flames when exiting a space.

Monitored fire alarms are a fantastic way to improve your protection. When safety devices like CO detectors and fire alarms integrate with your home’s security, you and your dedicated monitoring specialists will be alerted when an alarm sounds, whether you’re on site or not.

Stay safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Scottsdale

Get everything you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Scottsdale smart homes include innovative features like custom automation, monitored fire alarms and video cameras with active deterrence. Reach us at (480) 681-6262 and give your loved ones the gift of improved protection this season.