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

Chrismas gatherings, Thanksgiving meals, and enjoying quality time with loved ones are some of the activities we cherish over the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season also includes more safety risks. Thankfully, following some easy recommendations and using a well-equipped security system at your Baltimore residence can improve safety during the holidays.

Going out of town? Deter intrusions at your Baltimore home with advanced video cameras and automation

Venturing out to see relatives is a holiday tradition, but leaving your Baltimore house vacant ehances the risk of break-ins. But there is a way to reduce the risk. Modern home security systems let you watch over your home regardless of where you are with the latest surveillance. You are able to access real-time streams from your video cameras with the smart home app on your cell phone.

Leading surveillance devices take an active role in safeguarding your home. If an individual creeps too close, cameras will beam a light or produce a sound to send them running. Here are serveral other ways you can prevent invasions when you’re out: 

• Schedule lights to activate at different times to make your house look occupied
• Make sure your home security sign is visible
• Check your cell phone app to ensure doors are secured and your system armed
• Don’t broadcast on social networks that you’re leaving town

Safeguard against Chrismastime porch pirates in Baltimore

For many families, the holidays mean a constant flow of packages to your front door. Avoid attracting opportunistic criminals by letting them sit on your porch. Rather, obtain an immediate update to your mobile device whenever something arrives so you are reminded to grab it. 

Whenever possible, schedule deliveries for when you’re home. Alternatively, ask a neighbor to collect them. You can open your door and disarm your system from your mobile device. If someone is on your porch, you can talk to them through your doorbell camera’s two-way talk function. 

Practice established fire safety during the holidays in your Baltimore home 

Ornamental lights, candles, Christmas trees, and homemade meals are a part of the holidays, but they also increase the risk of fires. Here are a few tips on how to prevent them:

• Kitchen blazes increase during the holidays, especially at Thanksgiving. Don’t turn your back on an active stovetop. Keep kids at a distance to avoid burns. Always adhere to manufacturer instructions when cooking with fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees watered and a safe distance from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Remember that trees grow more flammable as they dry.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Loose connections and older outlets are known to spark and may cause fires.
• Lit candles are enchanting but also hazardous around decorations and trees. Use them carefully and always put out flames when leaving a space.

Monitored fire alarms are a fantastic way to enhance your protection. When sensors like CO detectors and fire alarms connect to your property’s security, you and your dedicated monitoring specialists will be alerted when an alarm sounds, whether you’re there or not.

Keep your family safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Baltimore

Discover everything you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Baltimore smart homes include innovative features like custom automation, monitored fire alarms and video cameras with active deterrence. Reach us at (410) 231-7697 and give your household the gift of improved protection this holiday season.