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

Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas gatherings, and sharing quality time with family members are several of the traditions we appreciate over the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season also brings an increased number of safety risks. Thankfully, abiding by some simple recommendations and using an advanced security system at your Ann Arbor property can boost safety during the holidays.

Are you traveling? Prevent burglaries at your Ann Arbor home with the latest video cameras and automation

Venturing out to visit relatives is a holiday custom, but leaving your Ann Arbor home unoccupied increases the danger of intrusions. But there is a way to reduce the risk. Modern home security systems allow you to keep tabs on your home no matter your whereabouts with innovative surveillance. You are able to check real-time streams from your cameras through the home security app on your mobile device.

Top surveillance tools can actively safeguard your home from trespassers. If someone creeps within range, cameras will shine a light or produce a sound to send them running. Here are a few more ways you can prevent invasions when you’re out: 

• Set lights to turn on at different intervals to make your home appear inhabited
• Make sure your home security signage is noticeable
• Go to your cell phone app to ensure doors are locked and your alarm activated
• Don’t share on social media that you’re going out of town

Protect against holiday porch pirates in Ann Arbor

For numerous families, the holidays include a steady stream of packages to the front door. Avoid enticing thieves by allowing them to sit on your stoop. Alternatively, get an instant alert to your smartphone whenever a package shows up so you are reminded to collect it. 

If possible, plan deliveries for when you’ll be present. When that’s not possible, ask a neighbor to take them in. You can open your door and temporarily deactivate your alarm from your smartphone. If somebody is on your porch, you can talk to them through your doorbell camera’s bi-directional talk function. 

Follow accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Ann Arbor home 

Christmas trees, candles, home-cooked meals, and string lights are common during the holidays, but they also put you at risk for fires. Here are several tips on how to avoid them:

• Cooking fires escalate during the holidays, notably at Thanksgiving. Keep a close eye on a busy stovetop. Keep kids clear of hot burners to avoid burns. Be sure to adhere to manufacturer guidelines when operating fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees watered and a safe distance from fireplaces and candles. Remember that trees become more combustible as they dry.
• Avoid overtaxing electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Improper connections and damaged outlets are prone to sparks and may lead to fires.
• Burning candles are enchanting but also hazardous around trees and other decor. Place them carefully and always extinguish flames when stepping out of a room.

Monitored fire alarms are a fantastic way to enhance your protection. When sensors like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms integrate with your property’s security, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will be notified any time an alarm trips, whether you’re home or away.

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

Get all the equipment you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Ann Arbor smart security systems give you advanced features like surveillance systems with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored environmental alarms. Give us a call at (734) 206-7166 and give your loved ones the gift of better security this holiday.