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

Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas get-togethers, and enjoying precious moments with family members are some of the things we appreciate during the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season has more safety risks. Thankfully, following some easy recommendations and using an advanced security system at your Dothan residence can improve safety during the holidays.

Going out of town? Avoid intrusions at your Dothan home with the latest video cameras and automation

Traveling to see relatives is a cherished part of the holidays, but leaving your Dothan property vacant raises the risk of burglaries. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems permit you to monitor your home regardless of your location with the latest surveillance. You can check real-time footage from your cameras through the home security app on your cell phone.

Top surveillance tools take an active role in defending your home. If someone gets too close, cameras will produce a sound or shine a light to send them running. Here are serveral other ways you can avoid invasions when you’re traveling: 

• Set lights to activate at various times to make your home appear inhabited
• Make sure your home security sign is visible
• Make sure doors are locked and your alarm is set through the mobile app
• Don’t broadcast on social media that you’re leaving town

Defend against holiday porch pirates in Dothan

For numerous families, the holidays bring a consistent stream of packages to your door. Don’t tempt prowlers by leaving them on your porch. Alternatively, get an instant update to your mobile device whenever a delivery shows up so you are reminded to grab it. 

When you can, plan deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. Alternatively, see if a neighbor can collect them. You can unlock your door and temporarily turn off your alarm from your smartphone. If a person is knocking on your door, you can talk to them with your video doorbell’s bi-directional talk function. 

Follow proper fire safety during the holidays in your Dothan home 

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

• Cooking fires rise during the holidays, notably at Thanksgiving. Always keep tabs on a busy stovetop. Keep children clear of hot burners to avoid burns. Remember to observe manufacturer directions when operating fryers.
• Water Christmas trees and keep them a safe distance from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Be mindful that trees get more fire-prone as they dehydrate.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Loose connections and faulty outlets are at risk of sparking and may lead to fires.
• Lit candles are lovely but also risky around trees and decorations. Use them wisely and always blow out flames when stepping out of a space.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to improve your protection. When safety devices like fire alarms and CO detectors link to your home security, you and your dedicated monitoring specialists will be alerted any time an alarm sounds, whether you’re there or away.

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

Get all the tools you need to remain safe during the holidays and every day of the year from Vivint. Our Dothan smart security systems give you innovative features like video cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored environmental alarms. Contact us at (334) 378-2166 and give your loved ones the gift of better protection this season.