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

Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas parties, and enjoying special moments with loved ones are some of the traditions we cherish during the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season has an increased number of safety risks. Thankfully, adhering to some basic guidelines and using a well-equipped security system at your Blacksburg residence can improve safety during the holidays.

Are you traveling? Prevent burglaries at your Blacksburg home with modern video cameras and automation

Traveling to see relatives is a big aspect of the holidays, but leaving your Blacksburg house vacant ehances the threat of break-ins. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems let you keep tabs on your property no matter your location with advanced surveillance. You can view real-time feeds from your video cameras with the home security app on your mobile device.

Top surveillance tools can actively protect your home from trespassers. If an individual comes too close, cameras will use visible and audible cues to send them running. Here are a few more ways you can deter break-ins when you’re out: 

• Schedule lights to come on at various moments to make your home seem inhabited
• Make sure your home security yard sign is visible
• Make sure doors are secured and your alarm is on through the smartphone app
• Don’t broadcast on social networks that you’re leaving town

Protect against holiday porch pirates in Blacksburg

For many families, the holidays mean a steady flow of packages to the front door. Avoid tempting opportunistic criminals by letting them sit outside. Alternatively, get an immediate notification to your mobile device whenever something shows up so you are reminded to collect it. 

If possible, schedule deliveries for when you’re home. Alternatively, see if a neighbor can take them in. You can turn off your alarm and unlock your door from your smartphone. If someone is on your porch, you can talk to them through your video doorbell’s bi-directional talk function. 

Follow proper fire safety during the holidays in your Blacksburg home 

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

• Kitchen fires rise during the holidays, especially at Thanksgiving. Always keep tabs on an active stovetop. Keep children away to protect against burns. Always follow manufacturer instructions when cooking with fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees hydrated and clear of fireplaces and candles. Be mindful that trees become more fire-prone as they dehydrate.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Improper connections and damaged outlets are known to spark and may result in fires.
• Lit candles are enchanting but also dangerous around decorations and trees. Use them thoughtfully and always extinguish flames when stepping out of an area.

Monitored fire alarms are an excellent way to upgrade your protection. When sensors like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors integrate with your home security, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will be alerted when an alarm trips, whether you’re home or away.

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

Discover all the equipment you need to remain safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Blacksburg smart homes offer innovative features like custom automation, monitored fire alarms and video cameras with active deterrence. Contact us at (540) 340-9402 and give your family the gift of improved protection this holiday.