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

Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas get-togethers, and sharing special moments with family members are a few of the activities we cherish during the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season also brings an increased number of safety risks. Thankfully, abiding by some simple guidelines and using a modern security system at your Joplin residence can boost safety during the holidays.

Leaving town? Prevent intrusions at your Joplin home with the latest video cameras and automation

Going to spend time with relatives is a big part of the holidays, but leaving your Joplin home unoccupied raises the risk of intrusions. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems allow you to keep tabs on your home no matter your location with advanced surveillance. You can access real-time feeds from your video cameras via the smart home app on your cell phone.

Top surveillance systems take an active approach to protecting your home. If a person gets within range, cameras will beam a light or emit a sound to scare them away. Here are a few more ways you can deter invasions when you’re traveling: 

• Program lights to come on at various intervals to make your home seem inhabited
• Make sure your home security yard sign is in clear view
• Make sure doors are secured and your alarm is on through the smartphone app
• Don’t announce on social networks that you’re leaving town

Protect against seasonal porch pirates in Joplin

For many families, the holidays bring a steady flow of packages to your door. Don’t entice thieves by letting them sit outside. Instead, receive an automatic notification to your smartphone whenever a delivery shows up so you are reminded to collect it. 

Whenever possible, plan deliveries for when you’ll be present. Otherwise, ask a neighbor to collect them. You can unlock your door and turn off your alarm from your phone. If somebody is at your door, you can speak to them with your video doorbell’s 2-way talk function. 

Practice proper fire safety during the holidays in your Joplin home 

Christmas trees, candles, string lights, and homemade meals are a part of the holidays, but they also heighten your risk of fires. Here are some tips for how to avoid them:

• Cooking fires increase during the holiday season, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Don’t turn your back on a crowded stovetop. Keep little ones at a distance to avoid burns. Be sure to observe manufacturer directions when operating fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees hydrated and clear of fireplaces and candles. Be mindful that trees grow more fire-prone as they dry out.
• Don’t overburden electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Loose connections and older outlets are prone to sparks and may lead to fires.
• Glowing candles are lovely but also risky around trees and other decor. Use them thoughtfully and always blow out flames when exiting an area.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to upgrade your protection. When safety devices like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors integrate with your home’s security, you and your dedicated monitoring professionals will be alerted any time an alarm trips, whether you’re home or away.

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

Discover everything you need to stay safe during the holidays and every day of the year from Vivint. Our Joplin home security systems give you advanced features like video cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored environmental alarms. Give us a call at (417) 557-3490 and give your loved ones the gift of better protection this season.