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

Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas gatherings, and enjoying precious moments with loved ones are some of the things we look forward to during the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season also includes some unique safety risks. Thankfully, following some easy tips and using an advanced security system at your Boston property can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Are you traveling? Deter break-ins at your Boston home with modern video cameras and automation

Going to visit relatives is a holiday custom, but leaving your Boston property empty increases the threat of break-ins. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems let you keep tabs on your house regardless of where you are with advanced surveillance. You may access live feeds from your cameras with the home security app on your cell phone.

Top surveillance systems take an active approach to safeguarding your home. If a person gets within range, cameras will use audible and visible deterrences to frighten them away. Here are serveral other ways you can prevent intrustions when you’re out: 

• Set lights to come on at various moments to make your house appear active
• Ensure your home security yard sign is visible
• Make sure doors are secured and your alarm is on through the smartphone app
• Avoid announcing on social platforms that you’re leaving town

Safeguard against seasonal porch pirates in Boston

For numerous families, the holidays include a consistent wave of packages to your door. Don’t tempt thieves by leaving them on your stoop. Alternatively, get an immediate alert to your mobile device whenever something shows up so you can collect it. 

If possible, schedule deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. Otherwise, ask a neighbor to take them in. You can deactivate your alarm and open your door from your mobile device. If somebody is at your door, you can speak to them through your doorbell camera’s 2-way talk function. 

Practice established fire safety during the holidays in your Boston home 

Christmas trees, candles, decorative lights, and homemade meals are common during the holidays, but they also increase the risk of fires. Here are several tips for how to circumvent them:

• Kitchen blazes rise during the holiday season, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Always keep tabs on a crowded stovetop. Keep little ones clear of hot burners to avoid burns. Remember to follow manufacturer instructions when operating fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees watered and clear of fireplaces and candles. Be mindful that trees grow more fire-prone as they dry.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Insecure connections and faulty outlets are known to spark and may result in fires.
• Burning candles are lovely but also hazardous around trees and other decor. Use them carefully and always put out flames when leaving a room.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to upgrade your protection. When safety devices like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors integrate with your property’s security, you and your 24-hour monitoring professionals will be notified whenever an alarm sounds, whether you’re on site or not.

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

Get all the tools you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Boston smart homes include innovative features like surveillance systems with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored fire alarms. Contact us at (617) 826-8647 and give your family the gift of better protection this holiday season.