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

Chrismas gatherings, Thanksgiving feasts, and spending special moments with family members are a few of the things we appreciate over the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season also includes some unique safety risks. Luckily, abiding by some easy tips and using a modern security system at your Lake Havasu home can improve safety during the holidays.

Going out of town? Avoid break-ins at your Lake Havasu home with modern video cameras and automation

Traveling to spend time with relatives is a big part of the holidays, but leaving your Lake Havasu property unoccupied increases the threat of intrusions. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems let you watch over your house regardless of your whereabouts with advanced surveillance. You can access live footage from your video cameras with the home security app on your cell phone.

Leading surveillance systems can even actively safeguard your home from trespassers. If an individual gets too close, cameras will use visible and audible cues to frighten them away. Here are a few more ways you can deter intrustions when you’re away: 

• Set lights to turn on at different intervals to make your home seem inhabited
• Make sure your home security sign is visible
• Access your smarphone app to ensure doors are secured and your alarm is set
• Avoid sharing on social networks that you’re traveling

Safeguard against seasonal porch pirates in Lake Havasu

For numerous families, the holidays mean a consistent stream of packages to your door. Don’t entice opportunistic criminals by allowing them to sit on your stoop. Instead, obtain an automatic update to your smartphone whenever something appears so you can grab it. 

When you can, plan deliveries for when you’ll be present. Otherwise, have a neighbor take them in. You can deactivate your alarm and unlock your door from your mobile device. If a person is at your door, you can speak to them with your video doorbell’s bi-directional talk function. 

Follow established fire safety during the holidays in your Lake Havasu home 

Ornamental lights, candles, Christmas trees, and home-cooked meals are common during the holidays, but they also increase the risk of fires. Here are a few tips on how to avoid them:

• Kitchen fires rise during the holidays, especially at Thanksgiving. Never turn your back on a busy stovetop. Keep kids away to avoid burns. Be sure to follow manufacturer directions when cooking with fryers.
• Hydrate Christmas trees and keep them clear of fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Remember that trees grow more flammable as they dry out.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Loose connections and damaged outlets are known to spark and may lead to fires.
• Burning candles are enchanting but also dangerous around trees and decorations. Position them thoughtfully and always extinguish flames when stepping out of a space.

Monitored fire alarms are a fantastic way to upgrade your protection. When environmental sensors like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors integrate with your home’s security, you and your 24-7 monitoring professionals will know when an alarm trips, whether you’re home or not.

Remain safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Lake Havasu

Get all the tools you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Lake Havasu smart homes give you advanced features like cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored fire alarms. Contact us at (928) 877-2148 and give your household the gift of improved protection this holiday season.