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

Chrismas gatherings, Thanksgiving meals, and enjoying special moments with loved ones are some of the activities we look forward to during the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season has some unique safety risks. Fortunately, following some basic guidelines and using a modern security system at your San Bernardino residence can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Going out of town? Avoid intrusions at your San Bernardino home with the latest video cameras and automation

Venturing out to spend time with relatives is a holiday tradition, but leaving your San Bernardino property vacant increases the danger of intrusions. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems permit you to watch over your house regardless of where you are with the latest surveillance. You can access live footage from your cameras through the home security app on your smartphone.

Leading surveillance systems take an active role in defending your home. If an individual gets too close, cameras will produce a sound or shine a light to frighten them away. Here are a few more ways you can prevent break-ins when you’re out: 

• Program lights to activate at various times to make your house seem active
• Make sure your home security yard sign is visible
• Go to your home security app to ensure doors are secured and your alarm activated
• Avoid sharing on social media that you’re traveling

Protect against Chrismastime porch pirates in San Bernardino

For countless families, the holidays mean a consistent flow of packages to your front door. Don’t attract thieves by allowing them to sit on your stoop. Instead, receive an instant alert to your mobile device whenever a delivery arrives so you are reminded to grab it. 

When you can, arrange deliveries for when you’ll be present. Alternatively, ask a neighbor to take them in. You can disarm your system and open your door from your phone. If a person is at your door, you can communicate with them via your doorbell camera’s two-way talk function. 

Follow accepted fire safety during the holidays in your San Bernardino home 

Christmas trees, candles, string lights, and home-cooked meals are common during the holidays, but they also put you at risk for fires. Here are some tips on how to prevent them:

• Kitchen fires rise during the holidays, especially at Thanksgiving. Never turn your back on a crowded stovetop. Keep children at a distance to avoid burns. Be sure to follow manufacturer instructions when using fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees hydrated and clear of fireplaces and candles. Keep in mind that trees grow more fire-prone as they dry.
• Don’t overburden electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Loose connections and faulty outlets are prone to sparks and may lead to fires.
• Burning candles are beautiful but also risky around trees and decorations. Place them thoughtfully and always blow out flames when leaving a room.

Monitored fire alarms are a fantastic way to upgrade your protection. When sensors like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms connect to your home security, you and your dedicated monitoring specialists will know any time an alarm sounds, whether you’re there or away.

Stay safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in San Bernardino

Get all the equipment you need to remain safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our San Bernardino home security systems give you modern features like surveillance systems with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored environmental alarms. Give us a call at (909) 324-3685 and give your family the gift of better protection this season.