Smart Safety During the Holidays: Essential Tips for Home and Travel Security

According to the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), robbery and larceny increase by approximately 20% every December. As a result, this time of year requires additional vigilance. This statistic underscores the importance of smart safety measures, especially when homes are often left unattended, or families are traveling. Alert 360's advanced security solutions offer peace of mind during these vulnerable times.

Home Security: Your Festive Fortress

  • Smart Locks - The Key to Safety: The holiday season often means guests and deliveries. With Alert 360’s smart locks, you can control access to your home remotely, ensuring that only authorized individuals can enter.
  • Security Cameras - Eyes on the Prize: Keep an eye on your holiday decorations and more importantly, your home, with Alert 360’s surveillance cameras. Whether you’re home or away, these cameras offer real-time monitoring and alerts.
  • Lighting Automation - Deter Unwanted Guests: Automated lighting can be a deterrent to burglars. Use Alert 360’s smart lighting solutions to simulate occupancy even when you’re away, keeping your home less attractive to potential intruders.
  • Fire Safety - Don’t Get Burned: The risk of fire increases with holiday lights and candles. Smart smoke detectors from Alert 360 can alert you immediately, even when you’re not home.
  • Package Protection - Secure Your Deliveries: Holiday shopping means more packages. Consider installing Alert 360’s smart doorbell cameras to monitor and protect your deliveries from porch pirates.

Travel Tips: Stay Safe on the Go

Remote Monitoring - Keep an Eye on Home: Use the Alert 360 mobile app (available in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store) to stay connected with your home security system. Check on your property anytime, from anywhere. Travel Alerts - Stay Informed: Enable travel alerts on your Alert 360 app (available in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store). Get notified of any suspicious activities at home, so you can take immediate action. Social Media Savvy - Post Wisely: Avoid broadcasting your travel plans or live location on social media. Share your holiday memories after you return home to prevent tipping off potential burglars. Personal Safety - Be Alert and Aware: While traveling, keep your belongings secure and stay vigilant in unfamiliar environments. Use personal safety devices offered by Alert 360 for added protection. Hotel Security - Safeguard Your Stay: When staying in a hotel, use all available security measures like safes and door locks. Also, keep your travel location and room number private.

Digital Security: Your Invisible Shield

Wi-Fi Protection - The Digital Gateway: With the increase in IoT devices, including those from Alert 360, protecting your home Wi-Fi network is paramount. Ensure your network is secure with strong passwords and consider a VPN for additional security, especially when controlling your home devices remotely. Smart Device Security - Guard Your Gadgets: Your smartphones and tablets are likely to contain sensitive information. Use biometric locks and keep your devices’ software updated. Alert 360’s apps offer secure encryption, keeping your smart device interactions safe. Phishing Scams - Stay Alert Online: The holidays see a spike in phishing scams. Be vigilant about suspicious emails or messages, especially those that offer too-good-to-be-true deals or request personal information. Credit Card Safety - Shop Smartly: While shopping online, use credit cards rather than debit cards for better fraud protection. Monitor your bank statements regularly for any unauthorized transactions. Child Online Safety - Protect Your Little Ones: With children spending more time online during the holidays, ensure their digital safety. Use parental controls and educate them about the importance of not sharing personal information online. 

Emergency Preparedness: Plan for the Unexpected

Emergency Contact List - Be Prepared: Have a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities, neighbors, and family members. Share your travel itinerary with a trusted person if you’re going away. First Aid Kit - Safety First: Keep a well-stocked first aid kit at home and in your vehicle. Include essential items like bandages, antiseptics, and any necessary medications. Backup Power - Stay Powered Up: Power outages can happen unexpectedly during the winter. Have backup power solutions, such as portable chargers for your devices and a generator for your home if possible. Weather Alerts - Stay Informed: Subscribe to weather alerts in your area. Severe weather can impact travel plans and home safety, so staying informed is key. Home Maintenance - Prevent Accidents: Ensure your home is in good repair. Check for potential hazards like loose railings or slippery walkways, especially with increased foot traffic during the holidays.

Integrating Smart Safety in Holiday Traditions

Making smart safety part of your holiday traditions can be both fun and functional. Involve your family in setting up Alert 360’s security systems, creating emergency plans or even in simple tasks like checking smoke detectors. This not only ensures safety but also brings the family together in a meaningful way.

Smart Safety: Beyond the Holidays

Remember, smart safety isn’t just for the holidays. These practices should become a part of your daily routine, ensuring year-round security and peace of mind. With Alert 360’s comprehensive solutions, you can easily integrate smart safety into every aspect of your life. The holidays should be a time of joy, not worry. By adopting these smart safety tips and integrating Alert 360’s security products, you can significantly reduce the risk to your home and family, whether you’re cozied up at home or traveling. Remember, smart safety is not just a seasonal practice; it's a year-round commitment to the well-being of you and your loved ones. And if you’re looking for more ways to keep yourself and your family safe, check out the home security and automation services from Alert 360, and when you’re ready to start building your custom system and plan, contact us and get a free quote fast! At Alert 360, we value our customer’s trust in us to protect their homes and businesses. Your Local Alert 360 Home Security Company Can Help! Find a local Alert 360 home security office near me at Alert360.com. Visit our Alert 360 Home Security Support Center and FAQs for helpful online help anytime or contact us here. We have coast-to-coast office locations. If you would like a free security review or quote, click here! Branch offices: Anaheim home security systems Atlanta home security systems Austin home security systems Los Angeles home security systems Dallas home security systems Fort Worth home security systems Fresno home security systems Houston home security systems(North Office) Houston, TX (South Office) home security systems Kansas City home security systems Miami OK home security systems Oklahoma City home security systems Philadelphia City home security systems Phoenix home security systems Sacramento home security systems San Antonio home security systems San Diego home security systems Sarasota home security systems Seattle home security systems Springfield, MO home security systems Tulsa home security systems Tyler home security systems Virginia Beach home security systems Wichita home security systems Alert 360 blog is recognized as being in the top 10 home security blog in the Nation!