Keep the season full of cheer: Discover tips to boost safety during the holidays

Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas parties, and spending quality time with loved ones are some of the things we cherish during the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season also includes some unique safety risks. Luckily, abiding by some easy guidelines and using a well-equipped security system at your St. George residence can boost safety during the holidays.

Going out of town? Prevent intrusions at your St. George home with the latest video cameras and automation

Traveling to spend time with relatives is a holiday tradition, but leaving your St. George home empty ehances the danger of intrusions. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems permit you to watch over your home regardless of your location with the latest surveillance. You can access live footage from your cameras via the home security app on your mobile device.

Top surveillance systems take an active role in defending your home. If someone gets too close, cameras will emit a sound or cast a light to send them running. Here are some additional ways you can avoid invasions when you’re away: 

• Program lights to activate at different intervals to make your house seem inhabited
• Confirm that your home security sign is noticeable
• Check to confirm doors are locked and your system is armed through the smartphone app
• Don’t announce on social media that you’re leaving town

Protect against seasonal porch pirates in St. George

For countless families, the holidays mean a constant stream of packages to the front door. Don’t tempt opportunistic criminals by allowing them to sit outside. Instead, receive an automatic notification to your smartphone whenever something arrives so you are reminded to retrieve it. 

If possible, plan deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. When that’s not possible, ask a neighbor to take them in. You can open 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 two-way talk function. 

Practice proper fire safety during the holidays in your St. George home 

Ornamental lights, candles, Christmas trees, and home-cooked meals are popular during the holidays, but they also increase the risk of fires. Here are a few tips on how to prevent them:

• Cooking fires increase during the holidays, notably at Thanksgiving. Maintain a close watch of an active stovetop. Keep kids at a distance to protect against burns. Be sure to observe manufacturer instructions when using fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees hydrated and a safe distance from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Remember that trees become more combustible as they dehydrate.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Loose connections and older outlets are at risk of sparking and may lead to fires.
• Glowing candles are beautiful but also risky around decorations and trees. Place them thoughtfully and always blow out flames when exiting a room.

Monitored fire alarms are an excellent way to upgrade your protection. When environmental sensors like CO detectors and fire alarms integrate with your home security, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will know when an alarm trips, whether you’re home or not.

Stay safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in St. George

Discover all the equipment you need to remain safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our St. George home security systems give you advanced features like surveillance systems with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored fire alarms. Reach us at (435) 375-3735 and give your household the gift of better security this holiday.