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

Chrismas parties, Thanksgiving meals, and spending quality time with loved ones are several of the traditions we appreciate over the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season also includes some unique safety risks. Thankfully, adhering to some simple recommendations and using an advanced security system at your Miami residence can improve safety during the holidays.

Are you traveling? Avoid burglaries at your Miami home with the latest video cameras and automation

Going to spend time with relatives is a holiday custom, but leaving your Miami home empty raises the risk of burglaries. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems permit you to keep tabs on your property no matter your location with the latest surveillance. You can check live feeds from your cameras via the smart home app on your cell phone.

Top surveillance systems can even actively defend your home from thieves. If an individual creeps within range, cameras will emit a sound or beam a light to send them running. Here are serveral other ways you can prevent intrustions when you’re traveling: 

• Schedule lights to turn on at various moments to make your home look inhabited
• Confirm that your home security signage is in clear view
• Check to confirm doors are secured and your alarm is set through the home security app
• Don’t broadcast on social media that you’re leaving town

Safeguard against Chrismastime porch pirates in Miami

For many families, the holidays mean a constant wave of packages to your door. Avoid tempting thieves by leaving them on your porch. Instead, obtain an instant notification to your mobile device whenever something shows up so you can collect it. 

When you can, arrange deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. When that’s not possible, see if a neighbor can take them in. You can open your door and temporarily deactivate your alarm from your mobile device. If a person is at your door, you can talk to them via your doorbell camera’s two-way talk function. 

Practice accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Miami home 

Christmas trees, candles, ornamental lights, and home-cooked meals are common during the holidays, but they also put you at risk for fires. Here are a few tips for how to prevent them:

• Kitchen fires rise during the holiday season, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Keep a close eye on a busy stovetop. Keep little ones clear of hot burners to avoid burns. Be sure to observe manufacturer directions when operating fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees hydrated and clear of fireplaces and candles. Remember that trees grow more fire-prone as they dehydrate.
• Don’t overwhelm electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Insecure connections and faulty outlets are known to spark and may result in fires.
• Lit candles are beautiful but also dangerous around trees and other decor. Use them thoughtfully and always put out flames when exiting a room.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to improve your protection. When environmental sensors like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors link to your home security, you and your dedicated monitoring specialists will know when an alarm goes off, whether you’re on site or not.

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

Find everything you need to stay safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Miami smart security systems give you advanced features like custom automation, monitored fire alarms and surveillance with active deterrence. Reach us at (786) 833-7988 and give your loved ones the gift of improved protection this season.