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

Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas parties, and sharing quality time with family members are a few of the things we look forward to over the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season also brings an increased number of safety risks. Thankfully, abiding by some basic guidelines and using an advanced security system at your St. Paul home can improve safety during the holidays.

Leaving town? Avoid intrusions at your St. Paul home with the latest video cameras and automation

Venturing out to visit relatives is a big part of the holidays, but leaving your St. Paul house vacant ehances the danger of break-ins. But there is a way to reduce the risk. Modern home security systems let you watch over your house no matter where you are with the latest surveillance. You can access live feeds from your video cameras with the home security app on your cell phone.

Top surveillance devices take an active approach to defending your home. If a person comes within range, cameras will use visible and audible deterrences to send them running. Here are some additional ways you can deter break-ins when you’re traveling: 

• Set lights to activate at various times to make your house look occupied
• Ensure your home security sign is visible
• Access your cell phone app to ensure doors are locked and your alarm is set
• Don’t broadcast on social media that you’re traveling

Defend against holiday porch pirates in St. Paul

For countless families, the holidays bring a consistent flow of packages to your front door. Avoid enticing thieves by allowing them to sit on your porch. Rather, obtain an immediate alert to your mobile device whenever a delivery appears so you are reminded to collect it. 

Whenever possible, arrange deliveries for when you’ll be present. Alternatively, see if a neighbor can bring them in. You can deactivate your alarm and unlock your door from your smartphone. If somebody is knocking on your door, you can speak to them via your video doorbell’s 2-way talk function. 

Practice accepted fire safety during the holidays in your St. Paul home 

String lights, candles, Christmas trees, and home-cooked meals are popular during the holidays, but they also increase the risk of fires. Here are some tips on how to prevent them:

• Kitchen blazes escalate during the holiday season, notably at Thanksgiving. Never turn your back on a crowded stovetop. Keep little ones clear of hot burners to protect against burns. Remember to observe manufacturer guidelines when using fryers.
• Hydrate Christmas trees and keep them clear of fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Be mindful that trees grow more combustible as they dehydrate.
• Avoid overtaxing electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Insecure connections and older outlets are known to spark and may cause fires.
• Glowing candles are enchanting but also hazardous around trees and other decor. Place them wisely and always blow out flames when stepping out of a room.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to upgrade your protection. When sensors like fire alarms and CO detectors connect to your home’s security, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will be alerted when an alarm sounds, whether you’re there or away.

Remain safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in St. Paul

Get all the equipment you need to remain safe during the holidays and every day of the year from Vivint. Our St. Paul home security systems offer advanced features like custom automation, monitored environmental alarms and surveillance with active deterrence. Contact us at (651) 240-6686 and give your family the gift of better security this holiday season.