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

Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas get-togethers, and enjoying precious moments with family are some of the things we appreciate around the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season also includes an increased number of safety risks. Luckily, following some basic guidelines and using a well-equipped security system at your Chicago home can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Going out of town? Avoid break-ins at your Chicago home with advanced video cameras and automation

Venturing out to spend time with relatives is a cherished part of the holidays, but leaving your Chicago home vacant raises the danger of intrusions. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems allow you to watch over your house regardless of where you are with innovative surveillance. You can access live feeds from your cameras via the smart home app on your mobile device.

Top surveillance devices take an active role in defending your home. If someone creeps within range, cameras will shine a light or produce a sound to frighten them away. Here are serveral other ways you can prevent break-ins when you’re out: 

• Set lights to come on at various moments to make your house appear inhabited
• Ensure your home security sign is visible
• Make sure doors are locked and your alarm is set through the home security app
• Avoid sharing on social media that you’re going out of town

Defend against Chrismastime porch pirates in Chicago

For numerous families, the holidays bring a consistent wave of packages to your front door. Don’t entice prowlers by letting them sit on your stoop. Rather, obtain an instant update to your phone whenever a delivery appears so you are reminded to grab it. 

When you can, schedule deliveries for when you’re home. Alternatively, ask a neighbor to take them in. You can disarm your system and open your door from your phone. If someone is knocking on your door, you can talk to them via your doorbell camera’s 2-way talk function. 

Adhere to established fire safety during the holidays in your Chicago home 

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

• Kitchen blazes rise during the holiday season, especially at Thanksgiving. Maintain a close watch of a crowded stovetop. Keep children at a distance to avoid burns. Remember to follow manufacturer guidelines when operating fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees watered and a safe distance from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Be mindful that trees grow more fire-prone as they dehydrate.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Loose connections and older outlets are at risk of sparking and may cause fires.
• Glowing candles are lovely but also hazardous around decorations and trees. Use them carefully and always blow out flames when leaving a space.

Monitored fire alarms are a fantastic way to enhance your protection. When safety devices like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors connect to your home security, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will know whenever an alarm sounds, whether you’re there or not.

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

Discover everything you need to remain safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Chicago home security systems give you innovative features like cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored fire alarms. Contact us at (312) 626-4802 and give your family the gift of better protection this holiday season.