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

October 20, 2025
Siblings opening a present beside a Christmas tree.

Chrismas gatherings, Thanksgiving feasts, and enjoying quality time with family members are a few of the activities we look forward to over the holidays. It’s a time for cheer, but the season has some unique safety risks. Thankfully, adhering to some basic tips and using an advanced security system at your Roanoke home can help ensure safety during the holidays.

Leaving town? Prevent burglaries at your Roanoke home with modern video cameras and automation

Going to spend time with relatives is an important aspect of the holidays, but leaving your Roanoke property vacant raises the danger of burglaries. But there is an answer. Modern home security systems permit you to watch over your house no matter your location with advanced surveillance. You can access real-time footage from your video cameras with the home security app on your mobile device.

The best surveillance tools take an active role in defending your home. If someone gets too close, cameras will produce a sound or cast a light to send them running. Here are serveral other ways you can deter invasions when you’re traveling: 

  • Schedule lights to turn on at various moments to make your home seem inhabited
  • Ensure your home security signage is visible
  • Check to confirm doors are secured and your alarm is on through the mobile app
  • Avoid sharing on social media that you’re going out of town

Defend against seasonal porch pirates in Roanoke

For numerous families, the holidays include a steady flow of packages to your door. Don’t tempt opportunistic criminals by letting them sit outside. Rather, obtain an immediate update to your phone whenever a delivery arrives so you can grab it. 

When you can, arrange deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. When that’s not possible, ask a neighbor to collect them. You can turn off your alarm and unlock your door from your mobile device. If someone is at your door, you can communicate with them with your video doorbell’s two-way talk function. 

Practice established fire safety during the holidays in your Roanoke home 

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

  • Cooking fires escalate during the holiday season, notably at Thanksgiving. Keep a close eye on an active stovetop. Keep kids at a distance to protect against burns. Remember to observe manufacturer guidelines when operating fryers.
  • Keep Christmas trees hydrated and away from fireplaces and open flames, such as candles. Keep in mind that trees grow more combustible as they dry.
  • Avoid overburdening electrical outlets with excessive lights and cords. Loose connections and older outlets are at risk of sparking and may result in fires.
  • Glowing candles are enchanting but also dangerous around decorations and trees. Position them wisely and always extinguish flames when stepping out of an area.

Monitored fire alarms are an excellent way to upgrade your protection. When environmental sensors like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms link to your home’s security, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will be notified when an alarm sounds, whether you’re home or away.

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

Discover everything you need to stay safe during the holidays and all year long from Vivint. Our Roanoke smart security systems offer modern features like video cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored environmental alarms. Give us a call at (540) 340-9398 and give your loved ones the gift of better security this season.