Keep the season festive: Explore tips to improve safety during the holidays

Chrismas parties, Thanksgiving dinners, and sharing special moments with loved ones are several of the traditions we look forward to around the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season has some unique safety risks. Thankfully, abiding by some easy tips and using an advanced security system at your Riverside residence can boost safety during the holidays.

Leaving town? Avoid burglaries at your Riverside home with the latest video cameras and automation

Venturing out to visit relatives is an important aspect of the holidays, but leaving your Riverside house unoccupied raises the danger of break-ins. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems allow you to keep tabs on your home regardless of your whereabouts with the latest surveillance. You can view live feeds from your video cameras through the smart home app on your smartphone.

Leading surveillance devices take an active role in protecting your home. If someone comes too close, cameras will cast a light or produce a sound to send them running. Here are a few more ways you can avoid intrustions when you’re away: 

• Schedule lights to turn on at different intervals to make your house seem occupied
• Make sure your home security yard sign is noticeable
• Check to confirm doors are secured and your alarm is set through the smartphone app
• Don’t announce on social networks that you’re traveling

Safeguard against seasonal porch pirates in Riverside

For many families, the holidays mean a steady wave of packages to your front door. Don’t attract prowlers by allowing them to sit on your stoop. Instead, get an instant update to your smartphone whenever a package arrives so you know to retrieve it. 

If possible, arrange deliveries for when you’ll be present. When that’s not possible, have a neighbor collect them. You can deactivate your alarm and unlock your door from your smartphone. If a person is on your porch, you can communicate with them via your video doorbell’s bi-directional talk function. 

Follow established fire safety during the holidays in your Riverside home 

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

• Kitchen blazes rise during the holidays, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Keep a close eye on a busy stovetop. Keep kids away to prevent burns. Remember to observe manufacturer instructions when operating fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees watered and a safe distance from fireplaces and candles. Be mindful that trees get more combustible as they dry out.
• Don’t overwhelm electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Improper connections and faulty outlets are known to spark and may cause fires.
• Glowing candles are lovely but also hazardous around trees and other decor. Place them wisely and always extinguish flames when leaving a room.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to enhance your protection. When safety devices like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors link to your home’s security, you and your dedicated monitoring professionals will know any time an alarm trips, whether you’re there or not.

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

Get all the equipment you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Riverside smart security systems offer innovative features like custom automation, monitored environmental alarms and cameras with active deterrence. Reach us at (951) 477-3741 and give your family the gift of better security this season.