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

Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas gatherings, and enjoying special moments with family are a few of the activities we appreciate around the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season also includes an increased number of safety risks. Fortunately, abiding by some easy tips and using an advanced security system at your Flint residence can boost safety during the holidays.

Going out of town? Prevent intrusions at your Flint home with the latest video cameras and automation

Venturing out to visit relatives is a big element of the holidays, but leaving your Flint house vacant increases the threat of intrusions. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems permit you to watch over your house no matter where you are with the latest surveillance. You are able to access real-time streams from your video cameras through the smart home app on your smartphone.

The best surveillance systems take an active role in protecting your home. If someone comes within range, cameras will produce a sound or shine a light to send them running. Here are a few more ways you can avoid break-ins when you’re traveling: 

• Schedule lights to come on at different times to make your home seem inhabited
• Confirm that your home security signage is in clear view
• Access your cell phone app to ensure doors are locked and your alarm activated
• Avoid sharing on social networks that you’re traveling

Safeguard against seasonal porch pirates in Flint

For many families, the holidays include a constant stream of packages to the front door. Don’t attract opportunistic criminals by allowing them to sit on your porch. Instead, get an immediate alert to your mobile device whenever a delivery arrives so you know to retrieve it. 

If possible, arrange deliveries for when you’re home. Alternatively, see if a neighbor can take them in. You can deactivate your alarm and unlock your door from your smartphone. If someone is at your door, you can speak to them with your doorbell camera’s 2-way talk function. 

Follow accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Flint home 

Christmas trees, candles, string lights, and family meals are popular during the holidays, but they also heighten your risk of fires. Here are a few tips on how to avoid them:

• Kitchen blazes escalate during the holiday season, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Keep a close eye on a busy stovetop. Keep kids away to prevent burns. Be sure to observe manufacturer guidelines when using fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees hydrated and clear of fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Remember that trees get more flammable as they dry.
• Avoid overtaxing electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Improper connections and older outlets are known to spark and may lead to fires.
• Burning candles are beautiful but also risky around trees and other decor. Place them carefully and always blow out flames when exiting a space.

Monitored fire alarms are a fantastic way to improve your protection. When safety devices like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms link to your property’s security, you and your dedicated monitoring professionals will be alerted any time an alarm sounds, whether you’re home or away.

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

Discover all the equipment you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Flint smart homes include advanced features like video cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored fire alarms. Give us a call at (810) 672-7953 and give your family the gift of better protection this holiday season.