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

Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas parties, and sharing precious moments with family are a few of the traditions we cherish over the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season has more safety risks. Fortunately, following some basic recommendations and using a well-equipped security system at your Lancaster residence can boost safety during the holidays.

Are you traveling? Deter break-ins at your Lancaster home with modern video cameras and automation

Venturing out to visit relatives is a cherished aspect of the holidays, but leaving your Lancaster home unoccupied increases the threat of intrusions. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems let you watch over your house regardless of your location with innovative surveillance. You may check live streams from your cameras via the smart home app on your mobile device.

Top surveillance tools can even actively defend your home from trespassers. If a person creeps within range, cameras will beam a light or emit a sound to send them running. Here are a few more ways you can deter invasions when you’re traveling: 

• Schedule lights to turn on at different moments to make your house look occupied
• Make sure your home security sign is noticeable
• Check to verify doors are secured and your system is armed through the smartphone app
• Avoid announcing on social media that you’re traveling

Defend against seasonal porch pirates in Lancaster

For countless families, the holidays include a consistent wave of packages to your front door. Avoid enticing thieves by letting them sit on your stoop. Instead, obtain an automatic notification to your mobile device whenever a package arrives so you are reminded to retrieve it. 

Whenever possible, plan deliveries for when you’re home. Otherwise, ask a neighbor to bring them in. You can disarm your system and open your door from your smartphone. If somebody is on your porch, you can talk to them through your doorbell camera’s two-way talk function. 

Follow proper fire safety during the holidays in your Lancaster home 

Christmas trees, candles, home-cooked meals, and ornamental lights are popular during the holidays, but they also put you at risk for fires. Here are a few tips on how to circumvent them:

• Kitchen fires escalate during the holiday season, especially at Thanksgiving. Don’t turn your back on an active stovetop. Keep children away to prevent burns. Remember to follow manufacturer directions when cooking with fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees hydrated and a safe distance from fireplaces and candles. Keep in mind that trees grow more combustible as they dry out.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Loose connections and faulty outlets are prone to sparks and may result in fires.
• Burning candles are enchanting but also risky around trees and other decor. Use them thoughtfully and always put out flames when exiting a room.

Monitored fire alarms are an excellent way to upgrade your protection. When safety devices like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors integrate with your home security, you and your dedicated monitoring professionals will know when an alarm goes off, whether you’re home or not.

Keep your family safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Lancaster

Discover everything you need to remain safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Lancaster home security systems include advanced features like cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored fire alarms. Give us a call at (717) 922-5237 and give your family the gift of improved protection this holiday.