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

Chrismas parties, Thanksgiving meals, and enjoying precious moments with family are a few of the things we appreciate around the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season has more safety risks. Thankfully, adhering to some easy tips and using a modern security system at your Virginia Beach property can boost safety during the holidays.

Going out of town? Prevent intrusions at your Virginia Beach home with advanced video cameras and automation

Traveling to see relatives is a big element of the holidays, but leaving your Virginia Beach property vacant raises the danger of break-ins. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems allow you to keep tabs on your property no matter where you are with the latest surveillance. You can view real-time footage from your video cameras through the home security app on your mobile device.

Top surveillance devices take an active role in safeguarding your home. If an individual comes too close, cameras will generate a sound or cast a light to frighten them away. Here are serveral other ways you can avoid break-ins when you’re traveling: 

• Set lights to turn on at different moments to make your home seem active
• Make sure your home security yard sign is in clear view
• Access your cell phone app to ensure doors are locked and your system armed
• Avoid broadcasting on social networks that you’re traveling

Protect against holiday porch pirates in Virginia Beach

For countless families, the holidays include a steady flow of packages to your front door. Avoid enticing thieves by allowing them to sit outside. Instead, receive an instant update to your phone whenever something shows up so you know to grab it. 

If possible, arrange deliveries for when you’ll be present. When that’s not possible, ask a neighbor to collect them. You can unlock your door and turn off your alarm from your phone. If somebody is knocking on your door, you can speak to them with your video doorbell’s bi-directional talk function. 

Follow established fire safety during the holidays in your Virginia Beach home 

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

• Kitchen blazes increase during the holiday season, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Never turn your back on a crowded stovetop. Keep children at a distance to prevent burns. Always adhere to manufacturer instructions when using fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees watered and a safe distance from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Be mindful that trees get more fire-prone as they dehydrate.
• Avoid overburdening electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Loose connections and damaged outlets are prone to sparks and may lead to fires.
• Glowing candles are beautiful but also hazardous around decorations and trees. Use them thoughtfully and always blow out flames when exiting a room.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to upgrade your protection. When environmental sensors like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms connect to your home security, you and your dedicated monitoring agents will be notified whenever an alarm sounds, whether you’re on site or not.

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

Discover all the equipment you need to remain safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Virginia Beach home security systems give you modern features like custom automation, monitored fire alarms and video cameras with active deterrence. Reach us at (757) 294-8561 and give your family the gift of improved protection this holiday.