Keep the season merry: Find tips to ensure safety during the holidays

Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas get-togethers, and sharing special moments with loved ones are a few of the traditions we look forward to during the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season has an increased number of safety risks. Thankfully, abiding by some easy tips and using an advanced security system at your Columbia home can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Going out of town? Deter break-ins at your Columbia home with modern video cameras and automation

Going to visit relatives is a big aspect of the holidays, but leaving your Columbia property empty ehances the danger of break-ins. But there is a way to reduce the risk. Modern home security systems let you monitor your house no matter where you are with innovative surveillance. You are able to check live feeds from your cameras through the home security app on your mobile device.

The best surveillance systems take an active role in safeguarding your home. If an individual comes too close, cameras will use visible and audible cues to scare them away. Here are a few more ways you can avoid intrustions when you’re away: 

• Schedule lights to activate at various moments to make your home look active
• Make sure your home security sign is noticeable
• Check your smarphone app to ensure doors are locked and your system armed
• Don’t share on social networks that you’re leaving town

Protect against seasonal porch pirates in Columbia

For numerous families, the holidays include a constant flow of packages to the front door. Don’t tempt prowlers by leaving them outside. Alternatively, get an automatic notification to your mobile device whenever a package arrives so you can collect it. 

Whenever possible, plan deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. Otherwise, ask a neighbor to collect them. You can disarm your system and open your door from your phone. If a person is on your porch, you can communicate with them through your video doorbell’s 2-way talk function. 

Practice proper fire safety during the holidays in your Columbia home 

Christmas trees, candles, home-cooked meals, and string lights are a part of the holidays, but they also heighten your risk of fires. Here are several tips for how to prevent them:

• Cooking fires increase during the holiday season, notably at Thanksgiving. Keep a close eye on a busy stovetop. Keep kids at a distance to protect against burns. Remember to follow manufacturer instructions when using fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees hydrated and clear of fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Be mindful that trees grow more fire-prone as they dehydrate.
• Don’t overwhelm electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Improper connections and damaged outlets are prone to sparks and may lead to fires.
• Glowing candles are enchanting but also hazardous around decorations and trees. Use them wisely and always put out flames when stepping out of a space.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to improve your protection. When safety devices like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors integrate with your home security, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will be notified when an alarm trips, whether you’re home or not.

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

Get everything you need to stay safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Columbia home security systems offer advanced features like surveillance systems with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored environmental alarms. Give us a call at (803) 921-0946 and give your household the gift of better protection this holiday.