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

Chrismas get-togethers, Thanksgiving feasts, and enjoying quality time with family are some of the things we look forward to over the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season also brings an increased number of safety risks. Fortunately, adhering to some basic tips and using an advanced security system at your Grand Rapids property can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Going out of town? Deter intrusions at your Grand Rapids home with advanced video cameras and automation

Traveling to see relatives is a holiday custom, but leaving your Grand Rapids house unoccupied increases the danger of intrusions. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems let you watch over your home regardless of your whereabouts with advanced surveillance. You are able to view live streams from your video cameras with the smart home app on your mobile device.

Leading surveillance devices can actively defend your home from trespassers. If a person gets too close, cameras will generate a sound or cast a light to frighten them away. Here are serveral other ways you can avoid break-ins when you’re out: 

• Program lights to turn on at various intervals to make your house seem active
• Ensure your home security sign is visible
• Make sure doors are locked and your alarm is on through the mobile app
• Avoid broadcasting on social platforms that you’re leaving town

Protect against Chrismastime porch pirates in Grand Rapids

For numerous families, the holidays include a constant flow of packages to your front door. Avoid tempting opportunistic criminals by allowing them to sit on your porch. Rather, get an immediate notification to your smartphone whenever a delivery appears so you can retrieve it. 

When you can, plan deliveries for when you’ll be present. Otherwise, ask a neighbor to take them in. You can turn off your alarm and open your door from your phone. If somebody is knocking on your door, you can speak to them with your video doorbell’s two-way talk function. 

Practice proper fire safety during the holidays in your Grand Rapids home 

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

• Kitchen fires increase during the holiday season, notably at Thanksgiving. Avoid turning your back on a busy stovetop. Keep little ones at a distance to protect against burns. Be sure to adhere to manufacturer directions when operating fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees watered and away from fireplaces and candles. Keep in mind that trees become more fire-prone as they dry.
• Don’t overburden electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Insecure connections and faulty outlets are at risk of sparking and may cause fires.
• Burning candles are lovely but also dangerous around decorations and trees. Place them wisely and always put out flames when exiting a room.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to upgrade your protection. When environmental sensors like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors connect to your home’s security, you and your dedicated monitoring agents will know when an alarm goes off, whether you’re on site or away.

Remain safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Grand Rapids

Discover all the equipment you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Grand Rapids smart security systems give you innovative features like custom automation, monitored fire alarms and cameras with active deterrence. Reach us at (616) 747-8419 and give your family the gift of better protection this holiday season.