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

Chrismas parties, Thanksgiving dinners, and sharing quality time with family are some of the activities we cherish during the holidays. It’s a time for celebration, but the season also includes an increased number of safety risks. Thankfully, following some basic recommendations and using an advanced security system at your Bozeman property can improve safety during the holidays.

Leaving town? Deter intrusions at your Bozeman home with advanced video cameras and automation

Going to visit relatives is a big aspect of the holidays, but leaving your Bozeman home empty increases the risk of break-ins. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems let you monitor your property regardless of where you are with the latest surveillance. You are able to view real-time footage from your video cameras with the home security app on your cell phone.

Leading surveillance tools take an active approach to defending your home. If a person comes too close, cameras will use audible and visible warnings to scare them away. Here are serveral other ways you can deter break-ins when you’re out: 

• Program lights to come on at different times to make your house appear occupied
• Make sure your home security signage is in clear view
• Check to confirm doors are locked and your alarm is set through the smartphone app
• Don’t broadcast on social networks that you’re leaving town

Safeguard against seasonal porch pirates in Bozeman

For many families, the holidays bring a constant wave of packages to the front door. Avoid enticing prowlers by letting them sit on your porch. Rather, get an immediate notification to your mobile device whenever something arrives so you are reminded to collect it. 

When you can, arrange deliveries for when you’re home. When that’s not possible, have a neighbor bring them in. You can turn off your alarm and open your door from your mobile device. If someone is knocking on your door, you can communicate with them with your doorbell camera’s 2-way talk function. 

Follow proper fire safety during the holidays in your Bozeman home 

Christmas trees, candles, family meals, and decorative lights are popular during the holidays, but they also increase the risk of fires. Here are several tips for how to circumvent them:

• Kitchen blazes escalate during the holiday season, especially at Thanksgiving. Don’t turn your back on an active stovetop. Keep kids at a distance to protect against burns. Always adhere to manufacturer instructions when using fryers.
• Keep Christmas trees hydrated and a safe distance from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Remember that trees become more fire-prone as they dry.
• Don’t overwhelm electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Insecure connections and damaged outlets are at risk of sparking and may cause fires.
• Glowing candles are beautiful but also hazardous around decorations and trees. Position them thoughtfully and always put out flames when exiting a room.

Monitored fire alarms are an excellent way to enhance your protection. When sensors like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms connect to your home’s security, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be notified whenever an alarm trips, whether you’re on site or away.

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

Get all the tools you need to stay safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Bozeman smart homes offer advanced features like custom automation, monitored environmental alarms and video cameras with active deterrence. Give us a call at (406) 926-0255 and give your family the gift of better protection this holiday season.