Keep the season festive: Explore tips to improve safety during the holidays
Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas parties, and enjoying special moments with loved ones are several of the traditions we cherish during the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season has an increased number of safety risks. Luckily, adhering to some simple tips and using a well-equipped security system at your Jacksonville home can boost safety during the holidays.
Are you traveling? Deter intrusions at your Jacksonville home with modern video cameras and automation
Venturing out to visit relatives is a holiday tradition, but leaving your Jacksonville property vacant ehances the risk of intrusions. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems allow you to keep tabs on your home no matter your location with innovative surveillance. You can view real-time feeds from your cameras through the smart home app on your cell phone.
Leading surveillance tools can actively defend your home from prowlers. If a person gets within range, cameras will cast a light or generate a sound to send them running. Here are some additional ways you can prevent break-ins when you’re away:
- Schedule lights to come on at different intervals to make your home look active
- Confirm that your home security yard sign is visible
- Make sure doors are locked and your alarm is on through the home security app
- Don’t share on social media that you’re leaving town
Safeguard against seasonal porch pirates in Jacksonville
For many families, the holidays bring a consistent stream of packages to your door. Avoid attracting opportunistic criminals by leaving them outside. Rather, get an automatic notification to your smartphone whenever something appears so you know to collect it.
If possible, schedule deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. When that’s not possible, see if a neighbor can bring them in. You can deactivate your alarm and open your door from your phone. If somebody is at your door, you can speak to them with your video doorbell’s two-way talk function.
Adhere to established fire safety during the holidays in your Jacksonville home
Christmas trees, candles, home-cooked meals, and string lights are common during the holidays, but they also increase the risk of fires. Here are a few tips for how to prevent them:
- Kitchen fires escalate during the holiday season, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Keep a close eye on an active stovetop. Keep little ones at a distance to prevent burns. Always adhere to manufacturer directions when using fryers.
- Hydrate Christmas trees and keep them clear of fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Keep in mind that trees get more fire-prone as they dry out.
- Avoid overtaxing electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Loose connections and damaged outlets are at risk of sparking and may cause fires.
- Burning candles are beautiful but also risky around trees and decorations. Use them thoughtfully and always put out flames when exiting a space.
Monitored fire alarms are a great way to upgrade your protection. When sensors like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors connect to your home’s security, you and your 24-hour monitoring specialists will know whenever an alarm goes off, whether you’re there or not.
Remain safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Jacksonville
Find all the equipment you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Jacksonville home security systems give you innovative features like cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored fire alarms. Reach us at (904) 977-6139 and give your loved ones the gift of better security this holiday.