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

Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas parties, and spending special moments with family are a few of the traditions we appreciate over the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season also brings some unique safety risks. Fortunately, adhering to some simple guidelines and using a well-equipped security system at your Modesto property can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Going out of town? Deter burglaries at your Modesto home with advanced video cameras and automation

Traveling to visit relatives is a cherished part of the holidays, but leaving your Modesto home empty increases the threat of burglaries. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems allow you to monitor your home regardless of where you are with innovative surveillance. You are able to view live streams from your video cameras through the smart home app on your mobile device.

Top surveillance devices can actively defend your home from trespassers. If someone comes too close, cameras will produce a sound or beam a light to frighten them away. Here are a few more ways you can prevent intrustions when you’re traveling: 

• Program lights to come on at various moments to make your house look active
• Make sure your home security yard sign is in clear view
• Check to verify doors are locked and your alarm is set through the smartphone app
• Don’t broadcast on social platforms that you’re traveling

Defend against Chrismastime porch pirates in Modesto

For countless families, the holidays mean a consistent wave of packages to the front door. Avoid tempting opportunistic criminals by allowing them to sit outside. Alternatively, receive an instant update to your smartphone whenever a package appears so you can grab it. 

If possible, arrange deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. Otherwise, see if a neighbor can bring them in. You can unlock your door and temporarily deactivate your alarm from your phone. If a person is on your porch, you can communicate with them through your video doorbell’s 2-way talk function. 

Practice proper fire safety during the holidays in your Modesto home 

Ornamental lights, candles, Christmas trees, and home-cooked meals are a part of the holidays, but they also put you at risk for fires. Here are several tips for how to circumvent them:

• Kitchen blazes rise during the holidays, especially at Thanksgiving. Always keep tabs on an active stovetop. Keep children away to protect against burns. Be sure to follow manufacturer directions when cooking with fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees watered and a safe distance from fireplaces and candles. Keep in mind that trees grow more flammable as they dehydrate.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Insecure connections and older outlets are known to spark and may lead to fires.
• Glowing candles are enchanting but also risky around trees and other decor. Use them thoughtfully and always put out flames when stepping out of an area.

Monitored fire alarms are an excellent way to enhance your protection. When sensors like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors link to your home security, you and your dedicated monitoring specialists will know whenever an alarm trips, whether you’re on site or not.

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

Get everything you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and every day of the year from Vivint. Our Modesto smart security systems offer innovative features like video cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored environmental alarms. Contact us at (209) 255-5672 and give your loved ones the gift of better security this holiday.