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

Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas get-togethers, and spending precious moments with loved ones are a few of the activities we look forward to during the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season also brings an increased number of safety risks. Luckily, following some simple recommendations and using an advanced security system at your San Jose residence can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Going out of town? Prevent intrusions at your San Jose home with advanced video cameras and automation

Venturing out to see relatives is a big part of the holidays, but leaving your San Jose home empty ehances the threat of intrusions. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems allow you to keep tabs on your home no matter where you are with the latest surveillance. You are able to check real-time streams from your video cameras via the home security app on your smartphone.

Leading surveillance systems take an active approach to safeguarding your home. If a person gets too close, cameras will cast a light or generate a sound to frighten them away. Here are serveral other ways you can avoid invasions when you’re traveling: 

• Set lights to turn on at different intervals to make your house seem inhabited
• Make sure your home security sign is in clear view
• Access your smarphone app to ensure doors are locked and your system armed
• Don’t announce on social media that you’re leaving town

Protect against holiday porch pirates in San Jose

For countless families, the holidays include a consistent flow of packages to your door. Don’t tempt opportunistic criminals by letting them sit on your stoop. Instead, get an immediate update to your phone whenever something appears so you know to collect it. 

When you can, plan deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. When that’s not possible, ask a neighbor to collect them. You can unlock your door and disarm your system from your mobile device. 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 San Jose home 

Christmas trees, candles, string lights, and family meals are a part of the holidays, but they also increase the risk of fires. Here are some tips for how to avoid them:

• Cooking fires escalate during the holiday season, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Don’t turn your back on a busy stovetop. Keep kids away to avoid burns. Always observe manufacturer directions when operating fryers.
• Water Christmas trees and keep them clear of fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Remember that trees become more fire-prone as they dry out.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Insecure connections and older outlets are prone to sparks and may lead to fires.
• Glowing candles are enchanting but also risky around decorations and trees. Use them carefully and always put out flames when exiting a room.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to improve your protection. When environmental sensors like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms connect to your home’s security, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be notified whenever an alarm trips, whether you’re there or not.

Remain safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in San Jose

Get all the equipment you need to stay safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our San Jose smart homes offer innovative features like custom automation, monitored environmental alarms and surveillance with active deterrence. Give us a call at (408) 790-0318 and give your household the gift of better security this holiday.