Keep The Season Merry With These Holiday Safety Tips In Chicago

One of the most cherished times of the year, the holidays bring family members and friends together to celebrate. But it's also a period when you must be particularly careful to protect against break-ins and other hazards. You can take steps to keep your home and loved ones secure by using these straightforward holiday safety tips in Chicago.

Tips To Prevent Theft In Chicago During the Holiday Season

Unoccupied residences, parked cars filled with gifts, and parcels accumulating on doorsteps might be too tempting for many burglars. The risk of crime increases throughout the holidays, particularly when families are away from home for a lengthy period. Here are some ways to stay protected using an advanced home security system.

• Give the appearance that you're there. Set your smart lights on a schedule and have them turn on at predetermined times. Make it look random, so the property appears active. You can also connect a television or radio to a smart plug. This strategy is an excellent safeguard against break-ins.
• Control smart devices from anywhere. Don't have a schedule planned? No problem. Turn locks, lights, and other equipment on and off from anywhere with your cell phone app. Remote access enhances your sense of security.
• Watch your home remotely. Check surveillance system video streams through your smartphone to see what's taking place at your house. You can even communicate with someone on your front porch through your video doorbell.
• Get notified when packages are delivered. Don’t keep holiday parcels on the doorstep. Use video doorbell updates to find out when they arrive.

Remember that home invasion isn't the only type of crime perpetrated around the holidays. Be cautious when online shopping. Use reputable platforms with protected connections, and refrain from opening emails or downloads if you don't recognize the origin. If a promotion appears too good to be true, it may be deceptive.

Prevent Injuries, Fires, And More With These Holiday Safety Tips

Staying safe during the holidays is about more than preventing theft. You also want to prevent falls, fires, and other risks. Adhere to these supplemental safety measures to keep your property and family protected:

• Keep your tree watered and far from heat sources. Consider what might happen if you place a dried-out tree next to a fireplace or burning candle. Very little will dampen your holiday cheer quicker than a fire.
• Decorate from secure step ladders and stools. You don’t want to begin the holiday season with a run to the emergency room. Avoid standing on unstable or unsuitable furnishings like couches and tables to place decor. Make certain you have a proper base, and don’t overextend your reach.
• Don’t forget about lit candles. Nothing sets the mood better than a flickering candle, but leaving them unwatched is a disaster waiting to happen. Douse them before you leave the room.
• Keep pets in mind. You love seasonal greenery like holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias, but you won’t appreciate it when your pet gets sick from consuming them. Be pet-smart and keep harmful plants away from animals, or select safer choices.

On the topic of fire safety, monitored fire alarms are a great solution. They link to your advanced security system and warn you and your monitoring professionals if smoke or excessive heat is detected.

Stay Safe Over The Holidays And Throughout The Year With Secure24 Alarm Systems

Whether you’re traveling across the country or staying home for the holidays, comprehensive home security systems from Secure24 Alarm Systems will help keep your family and property protected. We offer access to many modern capabilities like automation, fire alarm monitoring, and remote access. Arrange your Chicago home security installation today by reaching out to (312) 319-8662.