Keep the season festive: Explore tips to improve safety during the holidays

Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas get-togethers, and sharing quality time with family are several of the traditions we cherish around the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season also includes an increased number of safety risks. Thankfully, abiding by some basic guidelines and using a modern security system at your Port St. Lucie home can improve safety during the holidays.

Leaving town? Prevent burglaries at your Port St. Lucie home with modern video cameras and automation

Venturing out to spend time with relatives is an important aspect of the holidays, but leaving your Port St. Lucie property vacant increases the danger of intrusions. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems allow you to keep tabs on your home regardless of where you are with the latest surveillance. You are able to access real-time feeds from your video cameras through the home security app on your mobile device.

The best surveillance tools take an active approach to protecting your home. If someone creeps within range, cameras will shine a light or generate a sound to scare them away. Here are serveral other ways you can deter break-ins when you’re out: 

• Schedule lights to come on at different times to make your house appear inhabited
• Confirm that your home security sign is visible
• Go to your smarphone app to ensure doors are locked and your system armed
• Avoid announcing on social media that you’re leaving town

Protect against Chrismastime porch pirates in Port St. Lucie

For many families, the holidays mean a consistent flow of packages to your door. Avoid attracting prowlers by leaving them outside. Instead, obtain an automatic notification to your phone whenever something arrives so you can grab it. 

If possible, plan deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. Alternatively, have a neighbor take them in. You can turn off your alarm and open your door from your mobile device. If a person is on your porch, you can speak to them via your video doorbell’s 2-way talk function. 

Follow established fire safety during the holidays in your Port St. Lucie home 

String lights, candles, Christmas trees, and homemade meals are popular during the holidays, but they also heighten your risk of fires. Here are a few tips on how to prevent them:

• Kitchen fires rise during the holidays, notably at Thanksgiving. Avoid turning your back on a crowded stovetop. Keep kids away to avoid burns. Be sure to follow manufacturer directions when cooking with fryers.
• Water Christmas trees and keep them away from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Keep in mind that trees become more combustible as they dehydrate.
• Avoid overtaxing electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Loose connections and faulty outlets are at risk of sparking and may lead to fires.
• Burning candles are beautiful but also hazardous around trees and other decor. Position them wisely and always blow out flames when exiting a room.

Monitored fire alarms are a fantastic way to enhance your protection. When sensors like fire alarms and CO detectors integrate with your home’s security, you and your 24-7 monitoring professionals will know when an alarm goes off, whether you’re home or away.

Keep your family safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Port St. Lucie

Get all the equipment you need to stay safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Port St. Lucie smart homes offer advanced features like custom automation, monitored fire alarms and surveillance with active deterrence. Contact us at (772) 257-4553 and give your loved ones the gift of better security this holiday season.