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

Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas get-togethers, and enjoying precious moments with loved ones are some of the activities we appreciate around the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season also includes an increased number of safety risks. Luckily, following some easy guidelines and using a well-equipped security system at your San Antonio residence can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Going out of town? Avoid intrusions at your San Antonio home with advanced video cameras and automation

Venturing out to visit relatives is a holiday custom, but leaving your San Antonio home vacant raises the threat of intrusions. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems let you watch over your home regardless of your location with innovative surveillance. You are able to check real-time footage from your video cameras through the home security app on your mobile device.

Top surveillance systems take an active approach to defending your home. If someone creeps within range, cameras will cast a light or produce a sound to scare them away. Here are some additional ways you can deter break-ins when you’re away: 

• Set lights to come on at various moments to make your house appear occupied
• Make sure your home security sign is visible
• Check to confirm doors are secured and your system is armed through the mobile app
• Don’t share on social platforms that you’re traveling

Safeguard against Chrismastime porch pirates in San Antonio

For countless families, the holidays bring a constant stream of packages to your door. Avoid enticing prowlers by letting them sit outside. Rather, get an automatic notification to your phone whenever a delivery appears so you can retrieve it. 

When you can, schedule deliveries for when you’re home. Otherwise, see if a neighbor can take them in. You can unlock your door and deactivate your alarm from your mobile device. If somebody is on your porch, you can communicate with them with your video doorbell’s two-way talk function. 

Adhere to accepted fire safety during the holidays in your San Antonio home 

Christmas trees, candles, decorative lights, and home-cooked meals are popular during the holidays, but they also put you at risk for fires. Here are several tips on how to avoid them:

• Kitchen blazes increase during the holiday season, notably at Thanksgiving. Keep a close eye on a busy stovetop. Keep children at a distance to prevent burns. Always observe manufacturer instructions when cooking with fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees hydrated and a safe distance from fireplaces and candles. Be mindful that trees become more combustible as they dry.
• Avoid overtaxing electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Improper connections and faulty outlets are known to spark and may result in fires.
• Glowing candles are lovely but also hazardous around trees and other decor. Use them thoughtfully and always put out flames when stepping out of an area.

Monitored fire alarms are a fantastic way to enhance your protection. When sensors like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors connect to your home security, you and your dedicated monitoring agents will know when an alarm goes off, whether you’re there or away.

Remain safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in San Antonio

Find everything you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our San Antonio home security systems offer advanced features like custom automation, monitored fire alarms and surveillance with active deterrence. Contact us at (210) 934-3694 and give your loved ones the gift of improved protection this holiday.