Keep the season festive: Explore tips to improve safety during the holidays
Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas parties, and sharing special moments with family are several of the traditions we cherish during the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season also includes more safety risks. Fortunately, adhering to some easy recommendations and using a well-equipped security system at your Charleston property can improve safety during the holidays.
Are you traveling? Prevent intrusions at your Charleston home with modern video cameras and automation
Traveling to visit relatives is a holiday custom, but leaving your Charleston property unoccupied increases the danger of break-ins. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems let you watch over your home regardless of your location with innovative surveillance. You can check live feeds from your video cameras with the smart home app on your cell phone.
Leading surveillance systems take an active role in safeguarding your home. If someone gets within range, cameras will use audible and visible deterrences to scare them away. Here are serveral other ways you can avoid intrustions when you’re traveling:
- Set lights to come on at different times to make your house seem inhabited
- Confirm that your home security signage is noticeable
- Check to verify doors are secured and your system is armed through the mobile app
- Don’t broadcast on social media that you’re traveling
Defend against seasonal porch pirates in Charleston
For countless families, the holidays bring a steady stream of packages to your door. Avoid tempting opportunistic criminals by allowing them to sit on your porch. Alternatively, obtain an instant update to your mobile device whenever a package arrives so you know to collect it.
If possible, plan deliveries for when you’re home. When that’s not possible, have a neighbor take them in. You can open your door and temporarily disarm your system from your mobile device. If a person is knocking on your door, you can communicate with them with your doorbell camera’s 2-way talk function.
Adhere to accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Charleston home
String lights, candles, Christmas trees, and homemade meals are common 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 holidays, notably at Thanksgiving. Avoid turning your back on a crowded stovetop. Keep children away to prevent burns. Always follow manufacturer guidelines when using fryers.
- Keep Christmas trees watered and away from fireplaces and candles. Be mindful that trees grow more flammable as they dry.
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Improper connections and faulty outlets are at risk of sparking and may lead to fires.
- Glowing candles are lovely but also dangerous around trees and other decor. Use them thoughtfully and always put out flames when leaving a space.
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 specialists will know any time an alarm goes off, whether you’re home or away.
Keep your family safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Charleston
Get everything you need to stay safe during the holidays and every day of the year from Vivint. Our Charleston smart homes include advanced features like video cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored environmental alarms. Give us a call at (843) 892-5638 and give your loved ones the gift of improved protection this holiday.