Keep the season full of cheer: Discover tips to boost safety during the holidays
Chrismas parties, Thanksgiving dinners, and spending precious moments with family are some of the activities we cherish over the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season also includes more safety risks. Luckily, following some basic recommendations and using a well-equipped security system at your Portland property can improve safety during the holidays.
Leaving town? Deter intrusions at your Portland home with the latest video cameras and automation
Traveling to spend time with relatives is a holiday tradition, but leaving your Portland home empty raises the risk of break-ins. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems allow you to monitor your home no matter your location with innovative surveillance. You may view real-time footage from your video cameras with the home security app on your cell phone.
Leading surveillance systems can actively protect your home from prowlers. If an individual comes within range, cameras will beam a light or generate a sound to scare them away. Here are a few more ways you can avoid break-ins when you’re out:
- Schedule lights to activate at different intervals to make your home look occupied
- Make sure your home security yard sign is noticeable
- Check to confirm doors are secured and your alarm is set through the home security app
- Don’t broadcast on social networks that you’re going out of town
Protect against seasonal porch pirates in Portland
For many families, the holidays bring a steady stream of packages to your door. Avoid attracting prowlers by allowing them to sit on your stoop. Instead, get an instant notification to your smartphone whenever a package appears so you are reminded to collect it.
When you can, arrange deliveries for when you’re home. Alternatively, see if a neighbor can bring them in. You can unlock your door and disarm your system from your smartphone. If a person is at your door, you can speak to them through your doorbell camera’s 2-way talk function.
Follow accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Portland home
String lights, candles, Christmas trees, and homemade meals are popular during the holidays, but they also heighten your risk of fires. Here are some tips on how to avoid them:
- Kitchen fires rise during the holiday season, especially at Thanksgiving. Maintain a close watch of a busy stovetop. Keep children clear of hot burners to prevent burns. Always follow manufacturer guidelines when operating fryers.
- Water Christmas trees and keep them away from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Keep in mind that trees grow more fire-prone as they dehydrate.
- Avoid overtaxing electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Insecure connections and older outlets are prone to sparks and may result in fires.
- Lit candles are lovely but also hazardous around decorations and trees. Use them wisely and always blow out flames when leaving an area.
Monitored fire alarms are a fantastic way to upgrade your protection. When safety devices like CO detectors and fire alarms connect to your home security, you and your dedicated monitoring agents will be alerted when an alarm trips, whether you’re on site or not.
Remain safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Portland
Get all the tools you need to remain safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Portland home security systems offer advanced features like custom automation, monitored fire alarms and surveillance with active deterrence. Give us a call at (503) 213-9485 and give your loved ones the gift of improved protection this season.