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

Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas gatherings, and enjoying precious moments with family are a few of the activities we appreciate around the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season has an increased number of safety risks. Luckily, following some basic guidelines and using a modern security system at your St. Petersburg property can boost safety during the holidays.

Leaving town? Avoid intrusions at your St. Petersburg home with modern video cameras and automation

Traveling to spend time with relatives is a holiday custom, but leaving your St. Petersburg property vacant increases the threat of break-ins. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems permit you to keep tabs on your property regardless of your whereabouts with innovative surveillance. You can check live streams from your video cameras with the home security app on your smartphone.

The best surveillance tools take an active role in protecting your home. If a person comes too close, cameras will use audible and visible warnings to send them running. Here are serveral other ways you can avoid invasions when you’re out: 

• Set lights to activate at various moments to make your house look inhabited
• Make sure your home security sign is visible
• Check to verify doors are locked and your alarm is on through the smartphone app
• Avoid announcing on social media that you’re going out of town

Defend against Chrismastime porch pirates in St. Petersburg

For many families, the holidays include a constant stream of packages to your door. Avoid enticing opportunistic criminals by allowing them to sit outside. Alternatively, get an immediate notification to your mobile device whenever a package shows up so you can retrieve it. 

If possible, plan deliveries for when you’ll be present. Alternatively, see if a neighbor can bring them in. You can open your door and temporarily disarm your system from your smartphone. If someone is knocking on your door, you can speak to them via your video doorbell’s bi-directional talk function. 

Follow established fire safety during the holidays in your St. Petersburg home 

Christmas trees, candles, ornamental lights, and family meals are common during the holidays, but they also heighten your risk of fires. Here are some tips for how to avoid them:

• Kitchen blazes escalate during the holiday season, especially at Thanksgiving. Don’t turn your back on a busy stovetop. Keep children clear of hot burners to prevent burns. Always follow manufacturer directions when using fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees watered and a safe distance from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Keep in mind that trees get more combustible as they dry.
• Avoid overburdening electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Improper connections and faulty outlets are known to spark and may lead to fires.
• Burning candles are enchanting but also hazardous around decorations and trees. Place them carefully and always extinguish flames when stepping out of a room.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to improve your protection. When sensors like fire alarms and CO detectors link to your property’s security, you and your 24-7 monitoring professionals will know whenever an alarm sounds, whether you’re there or away.

Stay safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in St. Petersburg

Get all the tools you need to stay safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our St. Petersburg home security systems give you advanced features like custom automation, monitored fire alarms and surveillance with active deterrence. Give us a call at (727) 353-8318 and give your household the gift of improved protection this holiday.