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

Chrismas parties, Thanksgiving meals, and spending precious moments with family are some of the activities we appreciate during the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season also includes some unique safety risks. Thankfully, adhering to some easy tips and using a well-equipped security system at your Ventura home can improve safety during the holidays.

Going out of town? Deter burglaries at your Ventura home with the latest video cameras and automation

Going to spend time with relatives is a holiday custom, but leaving your Ventura home vacant increases the danger of burglaries. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems let you keep tabs on your house regardless of your location with advanced surveillance. You are able to view real-time feeds from your video cameras with the smart home app on your smartphone.

The best surveillance tools can actively protect your home from trespassers. If someone creeps within range, cameras will generate a sound or shine a light to send them running. Here are a few more ways you can deter break-ins when you’re out: 

• Program lights to activate at different times to make your home look inhabited
• Make sure your home security sign is noticeable
• Make sure doors are secured and your alarm is set through the smartphone app
• Avoid announcing on social media that you’re leaving town

Safeguard against holiday porch pirates in Ventura

For many families, the holidays include a steady wave of packages to your door. Don’t attract prowlers by letting them sit outside. Rather, receive an immediate alert to your smartphone whenever something appears so you can retrieve it. 

If possible, arrange deliveries for when you’re home. Alternatively, ask a neighbor to collect them. You can open your door and temporarily turn off your alarm from your phone. If somebody is knocking on your door, you can talk to them through your video doorbell’s 2-way talk function. 

Follow established fire safety during the holidays in your Ventura home 

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

• Kitchen fires rise during the holiday season, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Avoid turning your back on an active stovetop. Keep kids at a distance to protect against burns. Be sure to observe manufacturer directions when operating fryers.
• Water Christmas trees and keep them away from fireplaces and candles. Be mindful that trees become more combustible as they dry.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Loose connections and faulty outlets are at risk of sparking and may lead to fires.
• Lit candles are beautiful but also dangerous around trees and other decor. Position them thoughtfully and always extinguish flames when leaving a room.

Monitored fire alarms are an excellent way to improve your protection. When sensors like fire alarms and CO detectors connect to your home security, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be alerted when an alarm goes off, whether you’re there or not.

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

Discover all the tools you need to stay safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Ventura smart security systems include innovative features like custom automation, monitored fire alarms and video cameras with active deterrence. Contact us at (805) 590-5999 and give your family the gift of improved protection this season.