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

Chrismas gatherings, Thanksgiving feasts, and enjoying special moments with loved ones are several of the traditions we cherish during the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season also brings more safety risks. Luckily, following some basic guidelines and using a well-equipped security system at your New York City property can help ensure safety during the holidays.
Leaving town? Prevent break-ins at your New York City home with the latest video cameras and automation
Going to visit relatives is a holiday custom, but leaving your New York City house unoccupied raises the risk of burglaries. But there is a way to reduce the risk. Modern home security systems permit you to keep tabs on your house no matter your location with innovative surveillance. You can access real-time footage from your video cameras via the home security app on your mobile device.
The best surveillance systems take an active role in safeguarding your home. If a person gets within range, cameras will use visible and audible cues to scare them away. Here are some additional ways you can avoid intrustions when you’re traveling:
- Set lights to activate at various moments to make your house look active
- Ensure your home security yard sign is noticeable
- Go to your home security app to ensure doors are locked and your alarm is set
- Don’t broadcast on social platforms that you’re leaving town
Defend against holiday porch pirates in New York City
For numerous families, the holidays mean a consistent flow of packages to the front door. Avoid attracting thieves by leaving them on your porch. Alternatively, receive an automatic update to your mobile device whenever something appears so you can grab it.
Whenever possible, plan deliveries for when you’ll be present. When that’s not possible, see if a neighbor can bring them in. You can disarm your system and unlock your door from your smartphone. If somebody is at your door, you can communicate with them via your video doorbell’s 2-way talk function.
Adhere to accepted fire safety during the holidays in your New York City home
Decorative lights, candles, Christmas trees, and family meals are common during the holidays, but they also increase the risk of fires. Here are a few tips for how to circumvent them:
- Kitchen fires rise during the holiday season, notably at Thanksgiving. Always keep tabs on an active stovetop. Keep little ones at a distance to prevent burns. Be sure to adhere to manufacturer directions when using fryers.
- Keep Christmas trees watered and clear of fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Remember that trees grow more combustible as they dry out.
- Don’t overload electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Insecure connections and faulty outlets are prone to sparks and may result in fires.
- Burning candles are lovely but also dangerous around trees and other decor. Use them wisely and always extinguish flames when stepping out of a space.
Monitored fire alarms are a great way to enhance your protection. When environmental sensors like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms integrate with your home’s security, you and your 24-7 monitoring professionals will know when an alarm trips, whether you’re on site or not.
Remain safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in New York City
Discover all the equipment you need to remain safe during the holidays and every day of the year from Vivint. Our New York City home security systems give you innovative features like cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored environmental alarms. Give us a call at (332) 877-9062 and give your household the gift of better security this holiday season.