Keep the season full of cheer: Discover tips to boost safety during the holidays

Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas parties, and spending precious moments with family are several of the activities we appreciate over the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season also includes an increased number of safety risks. Fortunately, following some basic guidelines and using a modern security system at your Pittsburgh property can boost safety during the holidays.

Leaving town? Prevent burglaries at your Pittsburgh home with modern video cameras and automation

Venturing out to spend time with relatives is an important part of the holidays, but leaving your Pittsburgh house vacant raises the threat of intrusions. But there is a way to reduce the risk. Modern home security systems allow you to monitor your home no matter your whereabouts with innovative surveillance. You may view real-time footage from your video cameras with the home security app on your smartphone.

Top surveillance systems take an active role in safeguarding your home. If an individual gets within range, cameras will generate a sound or shine a light to scare them away. Here are serveral other ways you can deter invasions when you’re traveling: 

• Program lights to activate at various times to make your home appear inhabited
• Make sure your home security signage is in clear view
• Check to verify doors are secured and your system is armed through the home security app
• Avoid broadcasting on social networks that you’re leaving town

Protect against Chrismastime porch pirates in Pittsburgh

For countless families, the holidays bring a steady flow of packages to the front door. Don’t entice opportunistic criminals by leaving them outside. Alternatively, receive an automatic alert to your mobile device whenever a delivery shows up so you know to grab it. 

If possible, schedule deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. Alternatively, see if a neighbor can bring them in. You can unlock your door and temporarily deactivate your alarm from your smartphone. If someone is knocking on your door, you can communicate with them with your video doorbell’s 2-way talk function. 

Adhere to proper fire safety during the holidays in your Pittsburgh home 

Christmas trees, candles, family meals, and ornamental lights are a part of the holidays, but they also heighten your risk of fires. Here are some tips for how to prevent them:

• Kitchen fires increase during the holiday season, especially at Thanksgiving. Keep a close eye on an active stovetop. Keep little ones clear of hot burners to prevent burns. Remember to observe manufacturer guidelines when operating fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees hydrated and away from fireplaces and candles. Keep in mind that trees become more combustible as they dehydrate.
• Avoid overburdening electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Insecure connections and faulty outlets are prone to sparks and may lead to fires.
• Glowing candles are enchanting but also hazardous around trees and other decor. Use them wisely and always blow out flames when exiting an area.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to upgrade your protection. When environmental sensors like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms integrate with your home security, you and your dedicated monitoring agents will know any time an alarm trips, whether you’re home or not.

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

Find all the equipment you need to stay safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Pittsburgh home security systems give you advanced features like custom automation, monitored environmental alarms and surveillance with active deterrence. Give us a call at (412) 318-9359 and give your loved ones the gift of better security this holiday.