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

Chrismas gatherings, Thanksgiving meals, and sharing special moments with family are some of the activities we look forward to around the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season has an increased number of safety risks. Fortunately, following some easy recommendations and using an advanced security system at your Reno home can improve safety during the holidays.

Are you traveling? Prevent burglaries at your Reno home with the latest video cameras and automation

Traveling to visit relatives is a holiday tradition, but leaving your Reno property unoccupied increases the risk of burglaries. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems let you watch over your property no matter your whereabouts with the latest surveillance. You are able to access live streams from your video cameras with the home security app on your smartphone.

Leading surveillance devices can actively safeguard your home from prowlers. If a person comes within range, cameras will emit a sound or shine a light to send them running. Here are a few more ways you can prevent intrustions when you’re away: 

• Schedule lights to come on at various intervals to make your house seem inhabited
• Make sure your home security yard sign is in clear view
• Make sure doors are locked and your system is armed through the home security app
• Avoid sharing on social media that you’re leaving town

Safeguard against holiday porch pirates in Reno

For countless families, the holidays bring a constant flow of packages to the front door. Avoid tempting opportunistic criminals by leaving them on your porch. Alternatively, receive an automatic update to your phone whenever a delivery appears so you can retrieve it. 

Whenever possible, plan deliveries for when you’re home. Alternatively, see if a neighbor can collect them. You can unlock your door and temporarily disarm your system from your mobile device. If someone is on your porch, you can speak to them through your video doorbell’s two-way talk function. 

Follow accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Reno home 

String lights, candles, Christmas trees, and family meals are popular during the holidays, but they also put you at risk for fires. Here are some tips on how to circumvent them:

• Kitchen blazes rise during the holidays, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Don’t turn your back on a busy stovetop. Keep little ones clear of hot burners to prevent burns. Remember to observe manufacturer directions when cooking with fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees hydrated and clear of fireplaces and candles. Remember that trees become more fire-prone as they dry.
• Avoid overtaxing electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Improper connections and older outlets are known to spark and may result in fires.
• Burning candles are enchanting but also dangerous around decorations and trees. Position them wisely and always blow out flames when leaving a space.

Monitored fire alarms are a fantastic way to enhance your protection. When environmental sensors like CO detectors and fire alarms integrate with your home’s security, you and your dedicated monitoring professionals will know whenever an alarm trips, whether you’re home or away.

Remain safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Reno

Find all the tools you need to remain safe during the holidays and every day of the year from Vivint. Our Reno home security systems include modern features like custom automation, monitored fire alarms and cameras with active deterrence. Reach us at (775) 259-9515 and give your household the gift of improved protection this season.