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

Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas parties, and spending quality time with family members are several of the activities we cherish around the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season also includes more safety risks. Luckily, following some easy guidelines and using a modern security system at your Lafayette property can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Going out of town? Avoid break-ins at your Lafayette home with modern video cameras and automation

Traveling to visit relatives is a big aspect of the holidays, but leaving your Lafayette house unoccupied increases the threat of intrusions. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems let you watch over your house no matter your whereabouts with the latest surveillance. You are able to check real-time footage from your video cameras through the home security app on your cell phone.

Top surveillance tools take an active approach to protecting your home. If a person comes within range, cameras will shine a light or produce a sound to frighten them away. Here are some additional ways you can deter invasions when you’re away: 

• Set lights to come on at various moments to make your house seem occupied
• Confirm that your home security signage is noticeable
• Make sure doors are locked and your alarm is on through the smartphone app
• Don’t share on social media that you’re leaving town

Defend against Chrismastime porch pirates in Lafayette

For countless families, the holidays mean a consistent stream of packages to your door. Don’t entice prowlers by letting them sit on your porch. Alternatively, get an automatic alert to your phone whenever a delivery shows up so you know to collect it. 

Whenever possible, plan deliveries for when you’ll be present. Otherwise, ask a neighbor to bring them in. You can deactivate your alarm and unlock your door from your phone. If someone is on your porch, you can communicate with them through your doorbell camera’s 2-way talk function. 

Adhere to proper fire safety during the holidays in your Lafayette home 

Decorative lights, candles, Christmas trees, and homemade meals are popular during the holidays, but they also put you at risk for fires. Here are several tips on how to prevent them:

• Kitchen blazes escalate during the holidays, especially at Thanksgiving. Maintain a close watch of a busy stovetop. Keep kids clear of hot burners to prevent burns. Be sure to observe manufacturer instructions when operating fryers.
• Water Christmas trees and keep them a safe distance from fireplaces and candles. Be mindful that trees get more combustible as they dehydrate.
• Don’t overwhelm electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Insecure connections and damaged outlets are prone to sparks and may cause fires.
• Glowing candles are enchanting but also hazardous around trees and other decor. Place them carefully and always put out flames when stepping out of a space.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to improve your protection. When safety devices like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms link to your property’s security, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be notified any time an alarm trips, whether you’re home or away.

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

Find everything you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Lafayette smart homes offer advanced features like custom automation, monitored environmental alarms and cameras with active deterrence. Give us a call at (337) 226-0040 and give your household the gift of better protection this holiday season.