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

Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas gatherings, and spending precious moments with loved ones are some of the traditions we look forward to around the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season has more safety risks. Fortunately, following some simple recommendations and using an advanced security system at your Texarkana property can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Are you traveling? Avoid break-ins at your Texarkana home with advanced video cameras and automation

Venturing out to see relatives is a holiday custom, but leaving your Texarkana house empty raises the risk of intrusions. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems let you keep tabs on your house no matter your whereabouts with advanced surveillance. You are able to check real-time footage from your cameras through the smart home app on your cell phone.

Top surveillance devices take an active approach to protecting your home. If an individual comes within range, cameras will generate a sound or shine a light to send them running. Here are some additional ways you can prevent invasions when you’re out: 

• Program lights to activate at various moments to make your home look inhabited
• Make sure your home security yard sign is visible
• Check to verify doors are locked and your system is armed through the mobile app
• Avoid broadcasting on social media that you’re going out of town

Safeguard against holiday porch pirates in Texarkana

For many families, the holidays include a consistent wave of packages to your door. Don’t entice thieves by allowing them to sit on your porch. Alternatively, get an automatic update to your phone whenever a delivery arrives so you know to grab it. 

When you can, plan deliveries for when you’re home. Alternatively, ask a neighbor to collect them. You can deactivate your alarm and open your door from your phone. If somebody is at your door, you can communicate with them with your video doorbell’s bi-directional talk function. 

Follow established fire safety during the holidays in your Texarkana home 

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

• Kitchen blazes rise during the holidays, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Keep a close eye on an active stovetop. Keep children at a distance to avoid burns. Be sure to follow manufacturer instructions when cooking with fryers.
• Water Christmas trees and keep them away from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Remember that trees become more fire-prone as they dry.
• Don’t overwhelm electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Improper connections and damaged outlets are prone to sparks and may cause fires.
• Glowing candles are beautiful but also risky around trees and other decor. Use them carefully and always put out flames when exiting a space.

Monitored fire alarms are a fantastic way to improve your protection. When sensors like fire alarms and CO detectors connect to your home’s security, you and your dedicated monitoring specialists will be alerted when an alarm goes off, whether you’re there or away.

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

Get all the tools you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Texarkana smart security systems offer innovative features like custom automation, monitored environmental alarms and video cameras with active deterrence. Contact us at (870) 544-4225 and give your family the gift of better protection this season.