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

Chrismas get-togethers, Thanksgiving feasts, and enjoying quality time with loved ones are several of the activities we look forward to over the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season also includes some unique safety risks. Luckily, adhering to some simple guidelines and using an advanced security system at your Colorado Springs residence can improve safety during the holidays.
Are you traveling? Avoid burglaries at your Colorado Springs home with modern video cameras and automation
Venturing out to see relatives is a holiday tradition, but leaving your Colorado Springs property unoccupied increases the risk of burglaries. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems let you keep tabs on your property regardless of where you are with innovative surveillance. You can check real-time feeds from your video cameras with the smart home app on your mobile device.
Leading surveillance systems take an active approach to safeguarding your home. If a person gets within range, cameras will shine a light or produce a sound to frighten them away. Here are a few more ways you can deter break-ins when you’re away:
- Program lights to come on at different times to make your home appear active
- Ensure your home security yard sign is noticeable
- Check your home security app to ensure doors are secured and your alarm activated
- Avoid sharing on social platforms that you’re going out of town
Defend against Chrismastime porch pirates in Colorado Springs
For numerous families, the holidays mean a constant wave of packages to your front door. Avoid enticing prowlers by leaving them on your stoop. Instead, obtain an automatic update to your mobile device whenever a package appears so you can grab it.
When you can, arrange deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. When that’s not possible, ask a neighbor to collect them. You can open your door and turn off your alarm from your smartphone. If somebody is knocking on your door, you can speak to them through your doorbell camera’s 2-way talk function.
Adhere to accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Colorado Springs home
Ornamental lights, candles, Christmas trees, and homemade meals are common during the holidays, but they also increase the risk of fires. Here are a few tips on how to avoid them:
- Kitchen fires rise during the holidays, notably at Thanksgiving. Don’t turn your back on a busy stovetop. Keep little ones clear of hot burners to avoid burns. Remember to follow manufacturer guidelines when operating fryers.
- Keep Christmas trees watered and clear of fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Remember that trees become more combustible as they dry.
- Don’t overload electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Loose connections and older outlets are known to spark and may cause fires.
- Lit candles are beautiful but also hazardous around trees and other decor. Place them wisely and always extinguish flames when leaving a room.
Monitored fire alarms are an excellent way to upgrade your protection. When sensors like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms connect to your home’s security, you and your 24-hour monitoring specialists will know any time an alarm sounds, whether you’re home or not.
Remain safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Colorado Springs
Find everything you need to stay safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Colorado Springs smart homes give you advanced features like custom automation, monitored environmental alarms and surveillance with active deterrence. Reach us at (719) 666-9853 and give your loved ones the gift of better security this season.