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

Chrismas get-togethers, Thanksgiving feasts, and enjoying quality time with family members are several of the activities we cherish around the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season also brings an increased number of safety risks. Thankfully, adhering to some basic recommendations and using a modern security system at your Gainesville residence can boost safety during the holidays.

Are you traveling? Avoid intrusions at your Gainesville home with the latest video cameras and automation

Traveling to spend time with relatives is an important part of the holidays, but leaving your Gainesville home unoccupied increases the threat of intrusions. But there is a way to reduce the risk. Modern home security systems allow you to monitor your home no matter your location with advanced surveillance. You are able to access real-time footage from your cameras with the home security app on your cell phone.

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

• Program lights to activate at different times to make your home seem active
• Confirm that your home security signage is in clear view
• Check to verify doors are secured and your system is armed through the mobile app
• Don’t share on social platforms that you’re leaving town

Protect against seasonal porch pirates in Gainesville

For countless families, the holidays include a consistent wave of packages to the front door. Don’t tempt thieves by letting them sit outside. Instead, receive an immediate alert to your mobile device whenever a package appears so you are reminded to collect it. 

If possible, arrange deliveries for when you’ll be present. Alternatively, ask a neighbor to collect them. You can unlock your door and temporarily disarm your system from your mobile device. If a person is at your door, you can talk to them with your doorbell camera’s two-way talk function. 

Adhere to accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Gainesville home 

Decorative lights, candles, Christmas trees, and family meals are common during the holidays, but they also put you at risk for fires. Here are a few tips for how to avoid them:

• Cooking fires escalate during the holidays, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Maintain a close watch of a busy stovetop. Keep little ones clear of hot burners to protect against burns. Always adhere to manufacturer guidelines when operating fryers.
• Hydrate Christmas trees and keep them clear of fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Keep in mind that trees grow more flammable as they dry out.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Insecure connections and damaged outlets are known to spark and may lead to fires.
• Lit candles are lovely but also dangerous around trees and decorations. Use them wisely and always put out flames when leaving an area.

Monitored fire alarms are a fantastic way to upgrade your protection. When environmental sensors like fire alarms and CO detectors link to your home’s security, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will be notified any time an alarm trips, whether you’re home or away.

Remain safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Gainesville

Discover all the equipment you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Gainesville home security systems give you modern features like custom automation, monitored environmental alarms and video cameras with active deterrence. Contact us at (352) 922-3696 and give your loved ones the gift of better security this season.