Keep the season full of cheer: Discover tips to boost safety during the holidays

Chrismas parties, Thanksgiving feasts, and spending precious moments with family members are several of the traditions we look forward to around the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season also includes some unique safety risks. Fortunately, adhering to some simple tips and using a well-equipped security system at your Los Angeles residence can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Are you traveling? Prevent burglaries at your Los Angeles home with modern video cameras and automation

Traveling to visit relatives is a big part of the holidays, but leaving your Los Angeles house unoccupied ehances the danger of break-ins. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems allow you to watch over your home no matter your whereabouts with innovative surveillance. You can check real-time feeds from your cameras with the smart home app on your mobile device.

Top surveillance devices take an active role in safeguarding your home. If an individual gets within range, cameras will use audible and visible cues to scare them away. Here are some additional ways you can prevent break-ins when you’re away: 

• Schedule lights to activate at different times to make your house appear active
• Make sure your home security signage is visible
• Check to confirm doors are secured and your alarm is on through the smartphone app
• Don’t announce on social platforms that you’re leaving town

Safeguard against seasonal porch pirates in Los Angeles

For many families, the holidays bring a consistent stream of packages to your front door. Avoid tempting thieves by letting them sit on your porch. Rather, obtain an instant alert to your phone whenever something shows up so you are reminded to retrieve it. 

Whenever possible, schedule deliveries for when you’re home. Otherwise, ask a neighbor to bring them in. You can turn off your alarm and open your door from your smartphone. If someone is at your door, you can communicate with them through your video doorbell’s two-way talk function. 

Follow established fire safety during the holidays in your Los Angeles home 

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

• Kitchen fires increase during the holidays, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Avoid turning your back on an active stovetop. Keep children away to prevent burns. Always observe manufacturer directions when using fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees hydrated and away from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Be mindful that trees grow more flammable as they dehydrate.
• Avoid overtaxing electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Improper connections and faulty outlets are known to spark and may lead to fires.
• Glowing candles are lovely but also risky around trees and decorations. Place them carefully and always blow out flames when leaving a space.

Monitored fire alarms are a fantastic way to improve your protection. When sensors like CO detectors and fire alarms connect to your home security, you and your 24-hour monitoring professionals will be alerted when an alarm trips, whether you’re on site or away.

Keep your family safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Los Angeles

Discover all the tools you need to remain safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Los Angeles home security systems offer advanced features like cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored fire alarms. Give us a call at (310) 861-9194 and give your family the gift of improved protection this season.