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

Chrismas parties, Thanksgiving feasts, and spending precious moments with family are some of the activities we appreciate around the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season also brings more safety risks. Luckily, following some simple guidelines and using a modern security system at your Brownsville residence can improve safety during the holidays.

Going out of town? Avoid burglaries at your Brownsville home with modern video cameras and automation

Traveling to visit relatives is a big aspect of the holidays, but leaving your Brownsville home empty raises the risk of break-ins. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems let you watch over your house no matter where you are with advanced surveillance. You may access real-time feeds from your video cameras with the smart home app on your mobile device.

The best surveillance devices take an active approach to safeguarding your home. If an individual creeps too close, cameras will cast a light or generate a sound to send them running. Here are serveral other ways you can deter invasions when you’re out: 

• Schedule lights to activate at various intervals to make your home appear active
• Confirm that your home security signage is visible
• Check your home security app to ensure doors are secured and your alarm activated
• Don’t share on social platforms that you’re leaving town

Defend against holiday porch pirates in Brownsville

For countless families, the holidays mean a steady stream of packages to your front door. Don’t tempt thieves by leaving them on your stoop. Instead, receive an automatic update to your smartphone whenever a delivery shows up so you are reminded to collect it. 

If possible, schedule deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. When that’s not possible, have a neighbor collect them. You can deactivate your alarm and unlock your door from your mobile device. If somebody is on your porch, you can communicate with them via your video doorbell’s bi-directional talk function. 

Follow proper fire safety during the holidays in your Brownsville home 

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

• Kitchen blazes rise during the holiday season, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Keep a close eye on a busy stovetop. Keep children at a distance to avoid burns. Always observe manufacturer instructions when cooking with fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees watered and clear of fireplaces and candles. Be mindful that trees become more fire-prone as they dry.
• Avoid overburdening electrical outlets with too many lights and extension cords. Improper connections and older outlets are prone to sparks and may result in fires.
• Lit candles are lovely but also dangerous around trees and other decor. Use them carefully and always put out flames when stepping out of a space.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to enhance your protection. When sensors like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors connect to your home’s security, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will be alerted whenever an alarm sounds, whether you’re there or not.

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

Find everything you need to remain safe during the holidays and every day of the year from Vivint. Our Brownsville smart security systems give you modern features like surveillance systems with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored environmental alarms. Reach us at (956) 948-3547 and give your loved ones the gift of better security this season.