Keep the season full of cheer: Discover tips to boost safety during the holidays
Chrismas get-togethers, Thanksgiving feasts, and enjoying precious moments with loved ones are several of the activities we cherish over the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season also brings some unique safety risks. Luckily, following some easy guidelines and using an advanced security system at your Ithaca residence can help ensure safety during the holidays.
Leaving town? Avoid break-ins at your Ithaca home with modern video cameras and automation
Going to spend time with relatives is a holiday tradition, but leaving your Ithaca home unoccupied raises the threat of intrusions. But there is a way to reduce the risk. Modern home security systems permit you to watch over your house no matter your location with advanced surveillance. You can access live streams from your cameras with the home security app on your cell phone.
Leading surveillance tools can even actively safeguard your home from prowlers. If an individual gets within range, cameras will use audible and visible warnings to scare them away. Here are serveral other ways you can avoid break-ins when you’re traveling:
- Schedule lights to come on at different moments to make your house seem inhabited
- Make sure your home security yard sign is in clear view
- Check to confirm doors are secured and your alarm is set through the home security app
- Don’t broadcast on social platforms that you’re traveling
Protect against seasonal porch pirates in Ithaca
For countless families, the holidays include a constant stream of packages to your front door. Don’t tempt thieves by letting them sit on your porch. Alternatively, get an instant update to your mobile device whenever something appears so you are reminded to grab it.
Whenever possible, arrange deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. When that’s not possible, ask a neighbor to collect them. You can open your door and temporarily turn off your alarm from your smartphone. If a person is at your door, you can communicate with them through your doorbell camera’s bi-directional talk function.
Adhere to accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Ithaca home
Christmas trees, candles, home-cooked meals, and decorative lights are common during the holidays, but they also increase the risk of fires. Here are a few tips on how to circumvent them:
- Cooking fires escalate during the holidays, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Keep a close eye on a crowded stovetop. Keep little ones clear of hot burners to avoid burns. Always adhere to manufacturer guidelines when operating fryers.
- Keep Christmas trees hydrated and clear of fireplaces and candles. Be mindful that trees become more combustible as they dehydrate.
- Don’t overwhelm electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Improper connections and older outlets are at risk of sparking and may lead to fires.
- Burning candles are lovely but also dangerous around trees and other decor. Position them thoughtfully and always blow out flames when exiting a space.
Monitored fire alarms are a great way to improve your protection. When environmental sensors like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms 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 Ithaca
Get all the equipment you need to remain safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Ithaca smart security systems give you modern features like video cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored fire alarms. Contact us at (607) 600-9658 and give your loved ones the gift of better protection this season.