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

Chrismas parties, Thanksgiving feasts, and spending precious moments with loved ones are several of the traditions we appreciate during the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season has more safety risks. Fortunately, abiding by some easy tips and using a well-equipped security system at your Columbia home can boost safety during the holidays.

Going out of town? Deter break-ins at your Columbia home with advanced video cameras and automation

Traveling to visit relatives is a holiday tradition, but leaving your Columbia house empty ehances the danger of burglaries. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems allow you to watch over your home no matter where you are with advanced surveillance. You can check real-time streams from your cameras through the smart home app on your cell phone.

Leading surveillance systems take an active approach to protecting your home. If a person comes within range, cameras will generate a sound or shine a light to scare them away. Here are a few more ways you can prevent intrustions when you’re away: 

• Schedule lights to come on at different times to make your home look occupied
• Ensure your home security sign is noticeable
• Make sure doors are locked and your system is armed through the smartphone app
• Don’t announce on social networks that you’re traveling

Protect against Chrismastime porch pirates in Columbia

For countless families, the holidays mean a constant wave of packages to your door. Avoid tempting thieves by allowing them to sit on your stoop. Alternatively, obtain an immediate update to your phone whenever a delivery shows up so you are reminded to collect it. 

When you can, plan deliveries for when you’re home. Otherwise, have a neighbor take them in. You can unlock your door and deactivate your alarm from your mobile device. If someone is at your door, you can speak to them with your doorbell camera’s 2-way talk function. 

Follow proper fire safety during the holidays in your Columbia home 

Christmas trees, candles, family meals, and decorative lights are popular during the holidays, but they also increase the risk of fires. Here are some tips for how to avoid them:

• Cooking fires increase during the holiday season, especially at Thanksgiving. Always keep tabs on a busy stovetop. Keep children clear of hot burners to prevent burns. Be sure to observe manufacturer instructions when using fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees watered and away from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Keep in mind that trees get more flammable as they dry out.
• Avoid overburdening electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Loose connections and older outlets are known to spark and may result in fires.
• Burning candles are beautiful but also dangerous around trees and decorations. Use them carefully and always put out flames when stepping out of a space.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to enhance your protection. When environmental sensors like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms connect to your home security, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will be notified when an alarm sounds, whether you’re home or not.

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

Discover everything you need to remain safe during the holidays and every day of the year from Vivint. Our Columbia smart homes offer advanced features like surveillance systems with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored environmental alarms. Give us a call at (573) 641-8250 and give your loved ones the gift of better security this season.