Keep the season merry: Find tips to ensure safety during the holidays
Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas get-togethers, and spending quality time with family are a few of the activities we look forward to during the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season also brings more safety risks. Luckily, adhering to some basic recommendations and using a modern security system at your Washington DC residence can help ensure safety during the holidays.
Going out of town? Deter burglaries at your Washington DC home with advanced video cameras and automation
Going to visit relatives is a cherished aspect of the holidays, but leaving your Washington DC property unoccupied raises the threat of intrusions. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems allow you to keep tabs on your house no matter your location with innovative surveillance. You are able to access real-time feeds from your video cameras with the smart home app on your mobile device.
Leading surveillance devices take an active approach to safeguarding your home. If a person gets too close, cameras will beam a light or generate a sound to send them running. Here are a few more ways you can prevent break-ins when you’re traveling:
- Program lights to come on at different moments to make your home appear inhabited
- Make sure your home security signage is in clear view
- Check your cell phone app to ensure doors are secured and your system armed
- Avoid broadcasting on social platforms that you’re going out of town
Protect against seasonal porch pirates in Washington DC
For countless families, the holidays mean a constant wave of packages to your front door. Avoid enticing prowlers by leaving them on your porch. Instead, obtain an immediate update to your smartphone whenever something arrives so you can retrieve it.
If possible, arrange deliveries for when you’ll be present. When that’s not possible, have a neighbor take them in. You can open your door and turn off your alarm from your mobile device. If somebody is knocking on your door, you can speak to them with your doorbell camera’s bi-directional talk function.
Adhere to established fire safety during the holidays in your Washington DC home
Christmas trees, candles, home-cooked meals, and string lights are a part of the holidays, but they also put you at risk for fires. Here are a few tips on how to prevent them:
- Cooking fires rise during the holiday season, notably at Thanksgiving. Never turn your back on an active stovetop. Keep children clear of hot burners to protect against burns. Always adhere to manufacturer directions when using fryers.
- Hydrate Christmas trees and keep them away from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Be mindful that trees become more combustible as they dry out.
- Don’t overburden electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Loose connections and faulty outlets are at risk of sparking and may lead to fires.
- Burning candles are lovely but also hazardous around decorations and trees. Place them wisely and always put out flames when leaving an area.
Monitored fire alarms are a great way to enhance your protection. When sensors like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors connect to your home’s security, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will know any time an alarm trips, whether you’re home or away.
Remain safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Washington DC
Discover everything you need to stay safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Washington DC smart homes include innovative features like custom automation, monitored fire alarms and surveillance with active deterrence. Give us a call at (202) 780-3214 and give your family the gift of better security this holiday season.