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

Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas get-togethers, and sharing precious moments with loved ones are several of the traditions we appreciate around the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season also brings some unique safety risks. Thankfully, following some basic guidelines and using an advanced security system at your Orange County property can help ensure safety during the holidays.

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

Traveling to spend time with relatives is an important part of the holidays, but leaving your Orange County home empty increases the threat of intrusions. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems permit you to keep tabs on your home no matter your location with innovative surveillance. You can access real-time footage from your cameras through the home security app on your smartphone.

Top surveillance tools take an active role in defending your home. If an individual gets within range, cameras will emit a sound or beam a light to frighten them away. Here are serveral other ways you can prevent intrustions when you’re away: 

• Program lights to come on at different times to make your home appear occupied
• Confirm that your home security yard sign is visible
• Access your smarphone app to ensure doors are secured and your system armed
• Don’t share on social media that you’re traveling

Defend against Chrismastime porch pirates in Orange County

For numerous families, the holidays mean a constant wave of packages to the front door. Avoid tempting opportunistic criminals by letting them sit outside. Instead, obtain an instant notification to your mobile device whenever a delivery arrives so you know to collect it. 

When you can, plan deliveries for when you’re home. Alternatively, ask a neighbor to take them in. You can unlock your door and temporarily disarm your system from your mobile device. If a person is knocking on your door, you can speak to them through your video doorbell’s bi-directional talk function. 

Adhere to accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Orange County home 

Christmas trees, candles, family meals, and string lights are common during the holidays, but they also heighten your risk of fires. Here are several tips on how to avoid them:

• Kitchen blazes increase during the holidays, especially at Thanksgiving. Avoid turning your back on an active stovetop. Keep children clear of hot burners to prevent burns. Remember to observe manufacturer instructions when using fryers.
• Water Christmas trees and keep them away from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Remember that trees become more flammable as they dehydrate.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Insecure connections and faulty outlets are prone to sparks and may cause fires.
• Glowing candles are enchanting but also dangerous around decorations and trees. Place them wisely and always put out flames when leaving a room.

Monitored fire alarms are an excellent way to improve your protection. When sensors like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors connect to your property’s security, you and your 24-7 monitoring professionals will be notified whenever an alarm trips, whether you’re on site or away.

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

Find all the tools you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Orange County home security systems offer innovative features like custom automation, monitored fire alarms and cameras with active deterrence. Contact us at (714) 769-8364 and give your loved ones the gift of improved protection this season.