Keep the season merry: Find tips to ensure safety during the holidays

Chrismas get-togethers, Thanksgiving dinners, and spending special moments with loved ones are a few of the traditions we appreciate during the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season also brings some unique safety risks. Fortunately, following some basic recommendations and using an advanced security system at your Arlington property can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Are you traveling? Prevent break-ins at your Arlington home with the latest video cameras and automation

Going to see relatives is an important element of the holidays, but leaving your Arlington house vacant increases the risk of intrusions. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems let you monitor your house no matter your whereabouts with the latest surveillance. You may view real-time footage from your video cameras with the smart home app on your cell phone.

Top surveillance systems can actively safeguard your home from thieves. If a person gets too close, cameras will produce a sound or cast a light to scare them away. Here are a few more ways you can prevent break-ins when you’re traveling: 

• Set lights to turn on at various times to make your house seem inhabited
• Ensure your home security sign is noticeable
• Check your cell phone app to ensure doors are secured and your alarm activated
• Don’t announce on social platforms that you’re leaving town

Protect against holiday porch pirates in Arlington

For numerous families, the holidays bring a steady stream of packages to your door. Avoid tempting opportunistic criminals by letting them sit on your porch. Alternatively, receive an immediate alert to your phone whenever a delivery arrives so you know to retrieve it. 

When you can, schedule deliveries for when you’ll be present. Otherwise, see if a neighbor can bring them in. You can unlock your door and turn off your alarm from your smartphone. If somebody is on your porch, you can talk to them via your video doorbell’s 2-way talk function. 

Practice accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Arlington home 

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

• Cooking fires escalate during the holidays, notably at Thanksgiving. Always keep tabs on a busy stovetop. Keep children at a distance to prevent burns. Remember to adhere to manufacturer guidelines when operating fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees hydrated and away from fireplaces and candles. Keep in mind that trees get more flammable as they dry.
• Avoid overtaxing electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Loose connections and damaged outlets are prone to sparks and may lead to fires.
• Burning candles are lovely but also risky around trees and other decor. Position them thoughtfully and always blow out flames when leaving a room.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to improve your protection. When safety devices like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms link to your home security, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will know when an alarm sounds, whether you’re there or away.

Stay safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Arlington

Find all the equipment you need to stay safe during the holidays and every day of the year from Vivint. Our Arlington smart homes offer innovative features like custom automation, monitored environmental alarms and cameras with active deterrence. Reach us at (703) 791-1576 and give your household the gift of better security this season.