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

Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas get-togethers, and sharing special moments with family members are a few of the things we cherish over the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season also brings an increased number of safety risks. Thankfully, adhering to some simple tips and using a well-equipped security system at your Denver residence can improve safety during the holidays.

Leaving town? Prevent intrusions at your Denver home with modern video cameras and automation

Venturing out to see relatives is a holiday custom, but leaving your Denver home vacant ehances the risk of burglaries. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems let you monitor your home regardless of your whereabouts with innovative surveillance. You are able to check real-time feeds from your video cameras through the home security app on your mobile device.

Top surveillance devices take an active approach to protecting your home. If someone comes too close, cameras will use visible and audible cues to frighten them away. Here are a few more ways you can deter invasions when you’re traveling: 

• Set lights to turn on at different times to make your home appear occupied
• Make sure your home security signage is visible
• Access your cell phone app to ensure doors are secured and your alarm is set
• Avoid announcing on social platforms that you’re leaving town

Defend against Chrismastime porch pirates in Denver

For countless families, the holidays include a constant stream of packages to your door. Avoid enticing opportunistic criminals by allowing them to sit outside. Instead, receive an automatic update to your mobile device whenever something arrives so you know to collect it. 

If possible, plan deliveries for when you’ll be present. When that’s not possible, see if a neighbor can take them in. You can open your door and temporarily deactivate your alarm from your mobile device. If somebody is at your door, you can communicate with them with your doorbell camera’s 2-way talk function. 

Practice accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Denver home 

Christmas trees, candles, home-cooked meals, and string lights are common during the holidays, but they also put you at risk for fires. Here are several tips on how to avoid them:

• Cooking fires increase during the holiday season, notably at Thanksgiving. Keep a close eye on an active stovetop. Keep kids clear of hot burners to protect against burns. Remember to observe manufacturer directions when operating fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees watered and a safe distance from fireplaces and candles. Keep in mind that trees get more flammable as they dry.
• Don’t overburden electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Improper connections and damaged outlets are known to spark and may lead to fires.
• Lit candles are lovely but also hazardous around trees and decorations. Position them carefully and always put out flames when stepping out of an area.

Monitored fire alarms are an excellent way to upgrade your protection. When safety devices like fire alarms and CO detectors integrate with your home’s security, you and your dedicated monitoring agents will know whenever an alarm trips, whether you’re there or not.

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

Get all the equipment you need to stay safe during the holidays and every day of the year from Vivint. Our Denver smart homes include modern features like video cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored environmental alarms. Reach us at (720) 807-3060 and give your family the gift of improved protection this season.