Keep the season merry: Find tips to ensure safety during the holidays
Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas parties, and sharing special moments with family members are a few of the traditions we appreciate around the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season also brings an increased number of safety risks. Thankfully, following some basic guidelines and using an advanced security system at your Oakland property can boost safety during the holidays.
Going out of town? Prevent break-ins at your Oakland home with the latest video cameras and automation
Going to spend time with relatives is a holiday custom, but leaving your Oakland home empty ehances the danger of burglaries. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems permit you to keep tabs on your home no matter your whereabouts with innovative surveillance. You are able to check live feeds from your cameras via the smart home app on your mobile device.
The best surveillance systems take an active role in defending your home. If someone gets too close, cameras will emit a sound or beam a light to frighten them away. Here are a few more ways you can deter intrustions when you’re out:
- Schedule lights to come on at various intervals to make your house seem occupied
- Make sure your home security sign is noticeable
- Check your cell phone app to ensure doors are secured and your system armed
- Avoid announcing on social platforms that you’re leaving town
Safeguard against seasonal porch pirates in Oakland
For countless families, the holidays mean a steady flow of packages to the front door. Don’t tempt prowlers by allowing them to sit outside. Alternatively, get an instant alert to your phone whenever something appears so you are reminded to collect it.
When you can, schedule deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. Otherwise, have a neighbor collect them. You can deactivate your alarm and unlock your door from your phone. If a person is on your porch, you can speak to them through your video doorbell’s bi-directional talk function.
Adhere to established fire safety during the holidays in your Oakland home
Christmas trees, candles, ornamental lights, and family meals are a part of the holidays, but they also put you at risk for fires. Here are several tips on how to prevent them:
- Kitchen fires increase during the holidays, notably at Thanksgiving. Always keep tabs on a crowded stovetop. Keep kids at a distance to prevent burns. Be sure to observe manufacturer instructions when using fryers.
- Keep Christmas trees hydrated and clear of fireplaces and candles. Keep in mind that trees become more fire-prone as they dry out.
- Don’t overload electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Improper connections and damaged outlets are at risk of sparking and may cause fires.
- Lit candles are beautiful but also dangerous around trees and other decor. Place them carefully and always blow out flames when exiting a room.
Monitored fire alarms are a great way to improve your protection. When sensors like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms connect to your home’s security, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will be notified when an alarm goes off, whether you’re there or away.
Keep your family safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Oakland
Discover all the equipment you need to remain safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Oakland home security systems give you modern features like custom automation, monitored environmental alarms and surveillance with active deterrence. Contact us at (510) 281-3999 and give your loved ones the gift of better security this season.