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

Chrismas get-togethers, Thanksgiving dinners, and sharing special moments with family are a few of the traditions we cherish around the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season also brings some unique safety risks. Thankfully, following some simple tips and using a well-equipped security system at your Cleveland home can improve safety during the holidays.

Leaving town? Deter burglaries at your Cleveland home with modern video cameras and automation

Venturing out to spend time with relatives is a holiday custom, but leaving your Cleveland property vacant ehances the risk of intrusions. But there is a way to reduce the risk. Modern home security systems permit you to monitor your property no matter your location with innovative surveillance. You can access real-time footage from your cameras through the home security app on your smartphone.

Top surveillance systems can actively safeguard your home from prowlers. If an individual creeps too close, cameras will use audible and visible warnings to send them running. Here are a few more ways you can deter break-ins when you’re out: 

• Program lights to come on at different intervals to make your house seem active
• Ensure your home security sign is in clear view
• Access your cell phone app to ensure doors are locked and your alarm is set
• Avoid announcing on social media that you’re going out of town

Defend against seasonal porch pirates in Cleveland

For many families, the holidays bring a constant flow of packages to the front door. Don’t attract thieves by leaving them on your stoop. Instead, receive an immediate notification to your mobile device whenever a delivery arrives so you can grab it. 

When you can, schedule deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. Otherwise, see if a neighbor can bring them in. You can disarm your system and open your door from your smartphone. If somebody is at your door, you can talk to them with your video doorbell’s 2-way talk function. 

Practice established fire safety during the holidays in your Cleveland home 

Christmas trees, candles, home-cooked meals, and string lights are a part of the holidays, but they also heighten your risk of fires. Here are several tips on how to avoid them:

• Kitchen fires rise during the holiday season, notably at Thanksgiving. Avoid turning your back on an active stovetop. Keep little ones at a distance to avoid burns. Be sure to observe manufacturer guidelines when using fryers.
• Hydrate Christmas trees and keep them a safe distance from fireplaces and candles. Remember that trees get more fire-prone as they dehydrate.
• Don’t overburden electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Improper connections and damaged outlets are at risk of sparking and may cause fires.
• Glowing candles are enchanting but also risky around decorations and trees. Use them thoughtfully and always blow out flames when exiting a space.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to improve your protection. When environmental sensors like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms integrate with your home’s security, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will be notified whenever an alarm goes off, whether you’re home or not.

Keep your family safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Cleveland

Discover all the equipment you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Cleveland smart homes give you innovative features like custom automation, monitored environmental alarms and cameras with active deterrence. Reach us at (216) 616-8604 and give your household the gift of better protection this holiday.