Keep the season full of cheer: Discover tips to boost safety during the holidays
Chrismas gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, and sharing special moments with loved ones are a few of the activities we cherish over the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season also brings some unique safety risks. Luckily, abiding by some basic recommendations and using an advanced security system at your Sioux City residence can boost safety during the holidays.
Going out of town? Deter break-ins at your Sioux City home with advanced video cameras and automation
Going to visit relatives is a holiday tradition, but leaving your Sioux City house empty raises the threat of break-ins. But there is a way to reduce the risk. Modern home security systems permit you to keep tabs on your home no matter your location with the latest surveillance. You can view live feeds from your cameras via the home security app on your cell phone.
The best surveillance tools take an active role in defending your home. If an individual gets too close, cameras will produce a sound or cast a light to scare them away. Here are serveral other ways you can avoid break-ins when you’re out:
- Program lights to turn on at various times to make your home appear occupied
- Ensure your home security signage is noticeable
- Access your home security app to ensure doors are locked and your system armed
- Avoid broadcasting on social platforms that you’re going out of town
Protect against Chrismastime porch pirates in Sioux City
For countless families, the holidays include a consistent wave of packages to your front door. Don’t entice thieves by leaving them on your stoop. Alternatively, receive an instant notification to your mobile device whenever a package arrives so you know to grab it.
Whenever possible, arrange deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. When that’s not possible, see if a neighbor can take them in. You can deactivate your alarm and unlock your door from your mobile device. If somebody is knocking on your door, you can communicate with them with your video doorbell’s 2-way talk function.
Adhere to proper fire safety during the holidays in your Sioux City home
Ornamental lights, candles, Christmas trees, and family meals are common during the holidays, but they also increase the risk of fires. Here are several tips on how to avoid them:
- Kitchen blazes rise during the holiday season, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Don’t turn your back on a busy stovetop. Keep children away to prevent burns. Remember to follow manufacturer directions when cooking with fryers.
- Keep Christmas trees watered and away from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Remember that trees grow more fire-prone as they dry out.
- Avoid overtaxing electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Insecure connections and damaged outlets are known to spark and may result in fires.
- Glowing candles are enchanting but also dangerous around trees and other decor. Position them thoughtfully and always put out flames when stepping out of a space.
Monitored fire alarms are a great way to upgrade your protection. When environmental sensors like CO detectors and fire alarms integrate with your property’s security, you and your 24-hour monitoring specialists will know when an alarm goes off, whether you’re home or away.
Stay safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Sioux City
Find all the tools you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Sioux City smart security systems include modern features like cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored fire alarms. Reach us at (712) 600-3453 and give your household the gift of better protection this holiday.