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

Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas gatherings, and sharing special moments with loved ones are several of the traditions we look forward to during the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season has more safety risks. Fortunately, adhering to some simple recommendations and using an advanced security system at your McAllen home can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Leaving town? Prevent break-ins at your McAllen home with the latest video cameras and automation

Venturing out to visit relatives is a holiday custom, but leaving your McAllen home unoccupied increases the threat of intrusions. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems permit you to monitor your house regardless of your whereabouts with innovative surveillance. You can check live streams from your cameras via the smart home app on your cell phone.

Top surveillance systems can even actively protect your home from prowlers. If someone gets within range, cameras will cast a light or emit a sound to send them running. Here are some additional ways you can prevent break-ins when you’re traveling: 

• Set lights to activate at different intervals to make your home appear inhabited
• Make sure your home security yard sign is visible
• Make sure doors are locked and your system is armed through the smartphone app
• Don’t announce on social media that you’re traveling

Defend against seasonal porch pirates in McAllen

For many families, the holidays mean a consistent wave of packages to the front door. Avoid enticing thieves by allowing them to sit on your stoop. Alternatively, obtain an instant notification to your smartphone whenever something appears so you know to retrieve it. 

When you can, arrange deliveries for when you’ll be present. Otherwise, ask a neighbor to take them in. You can open your door and deactivate your alarm from your mobile device. If someone is at your door, you can communicate with them through your doorbell camera’s 2-way talk function. 

Adhere to accepted fire safety during the holidays in your McAllen home 

Christmas trees, candles, ornamental lights, and homemade meals are a part of the holidays, but they also increase the risk of fires. Here are a few tips on how to circumvent them:

• Kitchen blazes escalate during the holiday season, notably at Thanksgiving. Always keep tabs on a crowded stovetop. Keep little ones away to protect against burns. Always observe manufacturer directions when using fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees watered and clear of fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Be mindful that trees become more combustible as they dry.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Improper connections and faulty outlets are known to spark and may cause fires.
• Lit candles are lovely but also dangerous around trees and other decor. Position them thoughtfully and always put out flames when leaving a room.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to upgrade your protection. When environmental sensors like fire alarms and CO detectors connect to your property’s security, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will know when an alarm trips, whether you’re home or not.

Remain safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in McAllen

Get everything you need to keep your family safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our McAllen smart security systems offer advanced features like video cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored environmental alarms. Contact us at (956) 303-1646 and give your household the gift of better protection this holiday.