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

Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas get-togethers, and enjoying precious moments with family are several of the things we cherish during the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season also includes more safety risks. Fortunately, following some simple tips and using an advanced security system at your Manchester property can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Leaving town? Deter burglaries at your Manchester home with advanced video cameras and automation

Going to spend time with relatives is a big part of the holidays, but leaving your Manchester property empty raises the threat of burglaries. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems allow you to monitor your property regardless of where you are with the latest surveillance. You may view live footage from your video cameras with the home security app on your mobile device.

Top surveillance tools can even actively protect your home from thieves. If someone creeps within range, cameras will use visible and audible warnings to scare them away. Here are a few more ways you can avoid intrustions when you’re away: 

• Set lights to activate at different intervals to make your home seem occupied
• Make sure your home security signage is in clear view
• Go to your smarphone app to ensure doors are locked and your alarm is set
• Don’t announce on social networks that you’re traveling

Defend against seasonal porch pirates in Manchester

For numerous families, the holidays mean a constant stream of packages to the front door. Avoid tempting opportunistic criminals by leaving them outside. Instead, receive an instant alert to your smartphone whenever a package appears so you can grab it. 

If possible, arrange deliveries for when you’ll be present. Otherwise, see if a neighbor can bring them in. You can unlock your door and temporarily disarm your system from your smartphone. If somebody is knocking on your door, you can talk to them through your video doorbell’s 2-way talk function. 

Practice proper fire safety during the holidays in your Manchester home 

Christmas trees, candles, family meals, and string lights are common during the holidays, but they also increase the risk of fires. Here are some tips for how to circumvent them:

• Cooking fires escalate during the holiday season, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Always keep tabs on a busy stovetop. Keep little ones clear of hot burners to prevent burns. Always adhere to manufacturer guidelines when cooking with fryers.
• Hydrate Christmas trees and keep them away from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Remember that trees become more combustible as they dry out.
• Don’t overburden electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Improper connections and damaged outlets are known to spark and may lead to fires.
• Lit candles are lovely but also dangerous around trees and decorations. Place them wisely and always blow out flames when leaving a space.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to upgrade your protection. When sensors like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms integrate with your property’s security, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will know any time an alarm goes off, whether you’re there or away.

Stay safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Manchester

Get everything you need to stay safe during the holidays and every day of the year from Vivint. Our Manchester smart homes offer innovative features like video cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored environmental alarms. Reach us at (802) 944-4500 and give your loved ones the gift of improved protection this season.