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

Chrismas get-togethers, Thanksgiving dinners, and spending quality time with family members are several of the things we look forward to during the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season also brings some unique safety risks. Luckily, adhering to some basic guidelines and using an advanced security system at your Muncie residence can boost safety during the holidays.

Are you traveling? Prevent intrusions at your Muncie home with modern video cameras and automation

Venturing out to see relatives is an important element of the holidays, but leaving your Muncie property empty raises the risk of break-ins. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems permit you to monitor your home regardless of your location with innovative surveillance. You are able to access live footage from your video cameras via the smart home app on your mobile device.

Leading surveillance tools can even actively defend your home from thieves. If someone comes within range, cameras will emit a sound or shine a light to frighten them away. Here are serveral other ways you can avoid break-ins when you’re out: 

• Schedule lights to come on at different moments to make your home look inhabited
• Ensure your home security yard sign is visible
• Make sure doors are locked and your alarm is set through the smartphone app
• Don’t announce on social media that you’re traveling

Safeguard against Chrismastime porch pirates in Muncie

For many families, the holidays include a consistent flow of packages to your door. Avoid tempting opportunistic criminals by allowing them to sit on your stoop. Rather, obtain an immediate notification to your mobile device whenever a package appears so you know to grab it. 

When you can, schedule deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. Alternatively, ask a neighbor to bring them in. You can turn off your alarm and open your door from your smartphone. If a person is knocking on your door, you can talk to them via your video doorbell’s bi-directional talk function. 

Follow accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Muncie home 

Ornamental lights, candles, Christmas trees, and homemade meals are popular during the holidays, but they also heighten your risk of fires. Here are some tips on how to prevent them:

• Cooking fires rise during the holidays, notably at Thanksgiving. Never turn your back on a crowded stovetop. Keep little ones away to prevent burns. Remember to observe manufacturer directions when operating fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees watered and a safe distance from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Keep in mind that trees grow more fire-prone as they dry out.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Insecure connections and faulty outlets are at risk of sparking and may cause fires.
• Burning candles are beautiful but also risky around trees and decorations. Position them wisely and always blow out flames when leaving a space.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to upgrade your protection. When sensors like fire alarms and CO detectors connect to your home’s security, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will know when an alarm trips, whether you’re on site or not.

Remain safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Muncie

Discover everything you need to remain safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Muncie smart homes give you innovative features like surveillance systems with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored environmental alarms. Reach us at (765) 562-9379 and give your family the gift of better protection this holiday season.