Keep the season merry: Find tips to ensure safety during the holidays
Chrismas gatherings, Thanksgiving meals, and sharing quality time with loved ones are some of the things we appreciate during the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season also includes some unique safety risks. Fortunately, adhering to some basic guidelines and using a well-equipped security system at your Oklahoma City home can boost safety during the holidays.
Leaving town? Prevent burglaries at your Oklahoma City home with the latest video cameras and automation
Going to visit relatives is a holiday custom, but leaving your Oklahoma City property empty raises the risk of intrusions. But there is a way to reduce the risk. Modern home security systems allow you to watch over your house no matter your whereabouts with advanced surveillance. You may check live streams from your cameras with the home security app on your cell phone.
Leading surveillance devices can even actively safeguard your home from prowlers. If someone comes too close, cameras will shine a light or generate a sound to frighten them away. Here are some additional ways you can avoid break-ins when you’re traveling:
- Program lights to come on at various intervals to make your home look occupied
- Confirm that your home security yard sign is visible
- Make sure doors are secured and your alarm is on through the smartphone app
- Don’t share on social platforms that you’re going out of town
Protect against Chrismastime porch pirates in Oklahoma City
For countless families, the holidays mean a constant flow of packages to your front door. Avoid enticing prowlers by leaving them on your porch. Instead, obtain an immediate notification to your smartphone whenever a package arrives so you know to grab it.
If possible, schedule deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. Alternatively, ask a neighbor to bring them in. You can open your door and temporarily turn off your alarm from your smartphone. If somebody is at your door, you can talk to them through your video doorbell’s bi-directional talk function.
Practice proper fire safety during the holidays in your Oklahoma City home
Christmas trees, candles, homemade meals, and string lights are common during the holidays, but they also heighten your risk of fires. Here are some tips on how to avoid them:
- Cooking fires rise during the holidays, notably at Thanksgiving. Don’t turn your back on a crowded stovetop. Keep little ones away to prevent burns. Remember to observe manufacturer directions when cooking with fryers.
- Keep Christmas trees watered and a safe distance from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Be mindful that trees get more flammable as they dehydrate.
- Avoid overtaxing electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Loose connections and damaged outlets are at risk of sparking and may lead to fires.
- Glowing candles are lovely but also dangerous around decorations and trees. Use them carefully and always put out flames when leaving an area.
Monitored fire alarms are a great way to enhance your protection. When safety devices like fire alarms and CO detectors connect to your property’s security, you and your 24-7 monitoring professionals will know any time an alarm trips, whether you’re there or not.
Keep your family safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Oklahoma City
Get all the equipment you need to remain safe during the holidays and every day of the year from Vivint. Our Oklahoma City smart homes offer advanced features like custom automation, monitored fire alarms and cameras with active deterrence. Reach us at (405) 777-7501 and give your household the gift of better protection this holiday.