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

Chrismas parties, Thanksgiving dinners, and enjoying quality time with family members are a few of the things we look forward to over the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season also includes more safety risks. Thankfully, adhering to some simple guidelines and using a well-equipped security system at your Dover residence can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Are you traveling? Deter intrusions at your Dover home with advanced video cameras and automation

Venturing out to see relatives is a cherished aspect of the holidays, but leaving your Dover property empty ehances the threat of break-ins. But there is a way to reduce the risk. Modern home security systems let you keep tabs on your property regardless of your whereabouts with advanced surveillance. You can access live streams from your cameras with the home security app on your smartphone.

Top surveillance devices take an active role in protecting your home. If a person gets within range, cameras will use visible and audible cues to frighten them away. Here are serveral other ways you can deter break-ins when you’re traveling: 

• Schedule lights to turn on at various moments to make your home appear active
• Make sure your home security yard sign is visible
• Make sure doors are locked and your system is armed through the home security app
• Don’t broadcast on social platforms that you’re going out of town

Defend against holiday porch pirates in Dover

For numerous families, the holidays mean a steady stream of packages to your front door. Avoid enticing thieves by letting them sit on your porch. Rather, receive an automatic alert to your smartphone whenever a delivery appears so you can grab it. 

If possible, plan deliveries for when you’ll be present. When that’s not possible, have a neighbor take them in. You can disarm your system and open your door from your mobile device. If a person is at your door, you can communicate with them through your doorbell camera’s bi-directional talk function. 

Practice proper fire safety during the holidays in your Dover home 

Christmas trees, candles, string lights, and family meals are a part of the holidays, but they also increase the risk of fires. Here are several tips for how to circumvent them:

• Kitchen fires rise during the holiday season, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Never turn your back on an active stovetop. Keep kids clear of hot burners to protect against burns. Always follow manufacturer guidelines when cooking with fryers.
• Water Christmas trees and keep them a safe distance from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Be mindful that trees become more flammable as they dehydrate.
• Avoid overtaxing electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Loose connections and older outlets are prone to sparks and may cause fires.
• Burning candles are enchanting but also hazardous around decorations and trees. Use them wisely and always extinguish flames when stepping out of a room.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to improve your protection. When environmental sensors like fire alarms and CO detectors connect to your home security, you and your dedicated monitoring specialists will know any time an alarm sounds, whether you’re home or not.

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

Get all the tools you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and every day of the year from Vivint. Our Dover smart homes include advanced features like cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored environmental alarms. Give us a call at (302) 321-3498 and give your household the gift of improved protection this holiday.