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

Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas parties, and sharing special moments with family are a few of the traditions we appreciate around the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season also includes an increased number of safety risks. Thankfully, abiding by some basic recommendations and using an advanced security system at your Scranton home can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Leaving town? Avoid break-ins at your Scranton home with modern video cameras and automation

Venturing out to see relatives is a cherished aspect of the holidays, but leaving your Scranton home unoccupied raises the danger of burglaries. But there is a way to reduce the risk. Modern home security systems allow you to watch over your home no matter where you are with the latest surveillance. You can check real-time streams from your cameras with the home security app on your cell phone.

The best surveillance devices can actively protect your home from thieves. If someone gets too close, cameras will cast a light or produce a sound to scare them away. Here are some additional ways you can prevent break-ins when you’re out: 

• Program lights to come on at various times to make your home appear occupied
• Ensure your home security sign is in clear view
• Check to verify doors are secured and your alarm is on through the mobile app
• Don’t broadcast on social networks that you’re traveling

Protect against seasonal porch pirates in Scranton

For countless families, the holidays bring a consistent flow of packages to your front door. Avoid enticing thieves by leaving them on your porch. Rather, obtain an automatic update to your phone whenever something shows up so you can grab it. 

If possible, schedule deliveries for when you’ll be present. Alternatively, ask a neighbor to bring them in. You can deactivate your alarm and unlock your door from your mobile device. If someone is on your porch, you can speak to them through your video doorbell’s two-way talk function. 

Adhere to established fire safety during the holidays in your Scranton home 

Christmas trees, candles, home-cooked meals, and string lights are a part of the holidays, but they also heighten your risk of fires. Here are several tips for how to prevent them:

• Kitchen blazes rise during the holiday season, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Keep a close eye on an active stovetop. Keep little ones at a distance to prevent burns. Always adhere to manufacturer instructions when operating fryers.
• Hydrate Christmas trees and keep them a safe distance from fireplaces and candles. Be mindful that trees get more fire-prone as they dehydrate.
• Don’t overwhelm electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Improper connections and damaged outlets are at risk of sparking and may result in fires.
• Glowing candles are lovely but also risky around decorations and trees. Place them carefully and always blow out flames when leaving a space.

Monitored fire alarms are a fantastic way to upgrade your protection. When environmental sensors like fire alarms and CO detectors integrate with your home security, you and your 24-7 monitoring professionals will be alerted whenever an alarm sounds, whether you’re on site or not.

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

Discover all the equipment you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Scranton home security systems offer modern features like cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored fire alarms. Contact us at (570) 775-5689 and give your family the gift of better security this holiday.