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

Chrismas gatherings, Thanksgiving meals, and sharing quality time with family members are some of the traditions we cherish around the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season has an increased number of safety risks. Luckily, abiding by some simple guidelines and using a modern security system at your Kansas City residence can improve safety during the holidays.

Leaving town? Prevent intrusions at your Kansas City home with modern video cameras and automation

Going to spend time with relatives is a big part of the holidays, but leaving your Kansas City home unoccupied ehances the threat of break-ins. But there is a way to reduce the risk. Modern home security systems permit you to monitor your home no matter your whereabouts with the latest surveillance. You may view live streams from your video cameras with the smart home app on your mobile device.

The best surveillance tools take an active approach to safeguarding your home. If a person comes too close, cameras will emit a sound or cast a light to send them running. Here are a few more ways you can avoid intrustions when you’re away: 

• Program lights to activate at various moments to make your house seem occupied
• Make sure your home security sign is noticeable
• Access your cell phone app to ensure doors are locked and your system armed
• Avoid sharing on social platforms that you’re leaving town

Defend against seasonal porch pirates in Kansas City

For many families, the holidays bring a steady flow of packages to the front door. Avoid attracting thieves by letting them sit on your stoop. Instead, obtain an instant alert to your smartphone whenever something arrives so you are reminded to collect it. 

If possible, plan deliveries for when you’ll be present. Alternatively, ask a neighbor to take them in. You can deactivate your alarm and open your door from your mobile device. If somebody is on your porch, you can speak to them with your video doorbell’s bi-directional talk function. 

Practice accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Kansas City home 

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

• Kitchen blazes escalate during the holiday season, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Avoid turning your back on a busy stovetop. Keep kids away to protect against burns. Always adhere to manufacturer instructions when using fryers.
• Hydrate Christmas trees and keep them a safe distance from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Keep in mind that trees become more flammable as they dehydrate.
• Avoid overtaxing electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Loose connections and faulty outlets are known to spark and may result in fires.
• Burning candles are beautiful but also risky around trees and other decor. Place them carefully and always blow out flames when leaving an area.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to improve your protection. When sensors like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms connect to your home’s security, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be notified when an alarm trips, whether you’re there or away.

Stay safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Kansas City

Discover all the equipment you need to stay safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Kansas City home security systems include advanced features like custom automation, monitored environmental alarms and cameras with active deterrence. Give us a call at (816) 357-9576 and give your family the gift of improved protection this season.