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

Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas gatherings, and spending precious moments with family are some of the things we cherish over the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season has an increased number of safety risks. Thankfully, abiding by some easy guidelines and using an advanced security system at your Bloomington residence can improve safety during the holidays.

Going out of town? Avoid break-ins at your Bloomington home with the latest video cameras and automation

Going to see relatives is a holiday tradition, but leaving your Bloomington property vacant ehances the danger of intrusions. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems let you monitor your house regardless of your location with advanced surveillance. You can check real-time feeds from your video cameras with the smart home app on your cell phone.

Top surveillance tools can actively safeguard your home from prowlers. If someone comes too close, cameras will use audible and visible deterrences to scare them away. Here are serveral other ways you can avoid intrustions when you’re traveling: 

• Schedule lights to come on at various intervals to make your house seem occupied
• Ensure your home security sign is in clear view
• Check to confirm doors are secured and your system is armed through the mobile app
• Don’t announce on social platforms that you’re going out of town

Safeguard against seasonal porch pirates in Bloomington

For numerous families, the holidays mean a constant flow of packages to your front door. Avoid tempting prowlers by allowing them to sit on your stoop. Instead, obtain an instant alert to your mobile device whenever something appears so you are reminded to retrieve it. 

Whenever possible, plan deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. Alternatively, ask a neighbor to take them in. You can disarm your system and open your door from your smartphone. If someone is at your door, you can talk to them via your video doorbell’s 2-way talk function. 

Practice proper fire safety during the holidays in your Bloomington 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 a few tips for how to circumvent them:

• Kitchen blazes escalate during the holidays, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Keep a close eye on a crowded stovetop. Keep children clear of hot burners to prevent burns. Be sure to adhere to manufacturer guidelines when operating fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees hydrated and a safe distance from fireplaces and candles. Remember that trees get more combustible as they dehydrate.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Loose connections and faulty outlets are at risk of sparking and may cause fires.
• Glowing candles are enchanting but also hazardous around trees and decorations. Place them wisely and always extinguish flames when leaving a room.

Monitored fire alarms are an excellent way to upgrade your protection. When safety devices like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors link to your home security, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will be notified any time an alarm goes off, whether you’re home or away.

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

Discover all the equipment you need to remain safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Bloomington home security systems offer advanced features like cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored fire alarms. Give us a call at (812) 579-4884 and give your loved ones the gift of better security this holiday season.