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

Chrismas gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, and enjoying precious moments with family are several of the traditions we cherish over the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season also includes some unique safety risks. Thankfully, adhering to some simple recommendations and using a well-equipped security system at your Lexington property can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Going out of town? Avoid intrusions at your Lexington home with the latest video cameras and automation

Traveling to see relatives is a holiday tradition, but leaving your Lexington property unoccupied increases the danger of intrusions. But there is a way to reduce the risk. Modern home security systems permit you to watch over your home no matter your location with advanced surveillance. You can access real-time streams from your video cameras with the home security app on your cell phone.

Top surveillance devices can actively safeguard your home from prowlers. If someone creeps too close, cameras will beam a light or generate a sound to frighten them away. Here are serveral other ways you can avoid intrustions when you’re away: 

• Program lights to turn on at different intervals to make your home look inhabited
• Ensure your home security signage is noticeable
• Go to your cell phone app to ensure doors are locked and your alarm is set
• Don’t broadcast on social platforms that you’re leaving town

Protect against Chrismastime porch pirates in Lexington

For countless families, the holidays bring a constant stream of packages to your door. Avoid enticing opportunistic criminals by allowing them to sit on your stoop. Instead, obtain an immediate notification to your phone whenever something shows up so you know to collect it. 

Whenever possible, plan deliveries for when you’ll be present. When that’s not possible, ask a neighbor to bring them in. You can deactivate your alarm and open your door from your smartphone. If someone is on your porch, you can speak to them via your video doorbell’s bi-directional talk function. 

Practice accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Lexington home 

Ornamental lights, candles, Christmas trees, and family meals are common during the holidays, but they also heighten your risk of fires. Here are several tips on how to circumvent them:

• Kitchen blazes escalate during the holidays, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Avoid turning your back on a crowded stovetop. Keep kids at a distance to avoid burns. Always follow manufacturer directions when using fryers.
• Water Christmas trees and keep them clear of fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Remember that trees become more combustible as they dehydrate.
• Avoid overburdening electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Loose connections and damaged outlets are known to spark and may result in fires.
• Glowing candles are beautiful but also dangerous around trees and other decor. Place them thoughtfully and always put out flames when leaving a room.

Monitored fire alarms are an excellent way to enhance your protection. When safety devices like fire alarms and CO detectors connect to your home’s security, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will know any time an alarm sounds, whether you’re there or not.

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

Find everything you need to stay safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Lexington smart homes include modern features like custom automation, monitored environmental alarms and surveillance with active deterrence. Give us a call at (859) 203-1366 and give your family the gift of improved protection this holiday season.