Keep the season full of cheer: Discover tips to boost safety during the holidays

Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas get-togethers, and spending precious moments with family members are several of the traditions we appreciate around the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season also brings some unique safety risks. Luckily, following some simple guidelines and using a modern security system at your Indianapolis residence can improve safety during the holidays.

Are you traveling? Avoid burglaries at your Indianapolis home with the latest video cameras and automation

Going to spend time with relatives is a holiday tradition, but leaving your Indianapolis property vacant increases the danger of break-ins. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems permit you to monitor your home regardless of your location with advanced surveillance. You are able to check real-time footage from your video cameras via the home security app on your cell phone.

Top surveillance systems take an active role in safeguarding your home. If an individual comes within range, cameras will use visible and audible cues to send them running. Here are serveral other ways you can prevent intrustions when you’re away: 

• Program lights to come on at various moments to make your home appear occupied
• Make sure your home security sign is in clear view
• Access your smarphone app to ensure doors are locked and your alarm is set
• Don’t share on social networks that you’re traveling

Safeguard against Chrismastime porch pirates in Indianapolis

For many families, the holidays include a constant flow of packages to the front door. Don’t entice opportunistic criminals by allowing them to sit on your stoop. Instead, obtain an instant alert to your phone whenever something appears so you know to collect it. 

When you can, plan deliveries for when you’re home. When that’s not possible, see if a neighbor can collect them. You can open your door and temporarily deactivate your alarm from your mobile device. If somebody is on your porch, you can talk to them through your video doorbell’s 2-way talk function. 

Follow proper fire safety during the holidays in your Indianapolis home 

Christmas trees, candles, ornamental lights, and homemade meals are common during the holidays, but they also heighten your risk of fires. Here are some tips for how to avoid them:

• Cooking fires escalate during the holidays, notably at Thanksgiving. Never turn your back on an active stovetop. Keep children at a distance to protect against burns. Be sure to observe manufacturer guidelines when using fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees watered and away from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Keep in mind that trees become more combustible as they dry out.
• Avoid overburdening electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Improper connections and older outlets are prone to sparks and may cause fires.
• Glowing candles are enchanting but also hazardous around trees and decorations. Place them wisely and always extinguish flames when exiting an area.

Monitored fire alarms are a fantastic way to improve your protection. When safety devices like CO detectors and fire alarms integrate with your home security, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will be notified whenever an alarm trips, whether you’re on site or away.

Remain safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Indianapolis

Find all the tools you need to stay safe during the holidays and every day of the year from Vivint. Our Indianapolis smart security systems offer innovative features like video cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored fire alarms. Contact us at (317) 978-5706 and give your loved ones the gift of better security this season.