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

Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas gatherings, and enjoying precious moments with family members are a few of the things we cherish during the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season also includes some unique safety risks. Fortunately, following some simple recommendations and using an advanced security system at your Wilmington property can improve safety during the holidays.

Going out of town? Prevent intrusions at your Wilmington home with modern video cameras and automation

Venturing out to visit relatives is a holiday tradition, but leaving your Wilmington house vacant ehances the danger of burglaries. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems allow you to watch over your property no matter your location with advanced surveillance. You may access real-time streams from your video cameras through the smart home app on your cell phone.

The best surveillance systems can even actively defend your home from thieves. If a person creeps within range, cameras will generate a sound or shine a light to send them running. Here are some additional ways you can prevent break-ins when you’re traveling: 

• Set lights to come on at various moments to make your home seem occupied
• Make sure your home security signage is in clear view
• Check your home security app to ensure doors are secured and your alarm activated
• Avoid broadcasting on social media that you’re leaving town

Safeguard against holiday porch pirates in Wilmington

For countless families, the holidays include a constant stream of packages to the front door. Don’t attract opportunistic criminals by leaving them outside. Instead, get an immediate alert to your smartphone whenever something appears so you are reminded to collect it. 

When you can, arrange deliveries for when you’ll be present. Otherwise, see if a neighbor can take them in. You can turn off your alarm and unlock your door from your mobile device. If somebody is at your door, you can talk to them via your video doorbell’s 2-way talk function. 

Practice accepted fire safety during the holidays in your Wilmington home 

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

• Cooking fires escalate during the holiday season, especially at Thanksgiving. Don’t turn your back on a crowded stovetop. Keep little ones away to avoid burns. Remember to follow manufacturer instructions when using fryers.
• Hydrate Christmas trees and keep them away from fireplaces and candles. Keep in mind that trees get more flammable as they dry out.
• Don’t overburden electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Loose connections and older outlets are at risk of sparking and may lead to fires.
• Lit candles are enchanting but also dangerous around decorations and trees. Use them wisely and always put out flames when leaving an area.

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 24-7 monitoring agents will be alerted when an alarm goes off, whether you’re on site or away.

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

Get everything you need to remain safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Wilmington smart homes include innovative features like custom automation, monitored environmental alarms and video cameras with active deterrence. Contact us at (910) 634-2695 and give your family the gift of improved protection this holiday season.