Vivint Authorized Retailer Bloomington
Smart Security Specialists -- Your Vivint Authorized Dealer Covering Bloomington-Normal & Surrounding Areas

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

October 20, 2025
Siblings opening a gift near a Christmas tree.

Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas parties, and sharing precious moments with loved ones are a few of the traditions we appreciate over the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, but the season has more safety risks. Thankfully, abiding by some simple recommendations and using a modern security system at your Bloomington residence can boost safety during the holidays.

Are you traveling? Avoid burglaries at your Bloomington home with the latest video cameras and automation

Traveling to spend time with relatives is a holiday tradition, but leaving your Bloomington home vacant increases the risk of break-ins. But there is a solution. Modern home security systems let you keep tabs on your house regardless of where you are with advanced surveillance. You may view real-time feeds from your video cameras via the smart home app on your cell phone.

The best surveillance tools can even actively protect your home from prowlers. If a person gets too close, cameras will beam a light or generate a sound to frighten them away. Here are serveral other ways you can avoid intrustions when you’re traveling: 

  • Schedule lights to activate at various times to make your house look occupied
  • Confirm that your home security sign is visible
  • Go to your home security app to ensure doors are secured and your alarm is set
  • Don’t share on social networks that you’re leaving town

Defend against seasonal porch pirates in Bloomington

For countless families, the holidays bring a steady wave of packages to your door. Avoid attracting thieves by allowing them to sit on your stoop. Rather, receive an immediate notification to your phone whenever something appears so you know to grab it. 

When you can, arrange deliveries for when you know you’ll be home. Alternatively, ask a neighbor to bring them in. You can deactivate your alarm and unlock your door from your smartphone. If somebody is knocking on your door, you can talk to them through your video doorbell’s two-way talk function. 

Adhere to established fire safety during the holidays in your Bloomington home 

Christmas trees, candles, homemade meals, and decorative lights are common during the holidays, but they also heighten your risk of fires. Here are several tips on how to circumvent them:

  • Kitchen fires escalate during the holidays, particularlly at Thanksgiving. Maintain a close watch of a crowded stovetop. Keep children clear of hot burners to protect against burns. Always follow manufacturer directions when operating fryers.
  • Water Christmas trees and keep them a safe distance from fireplaces and candles. Remember that trees become more combustible as they dry out.
  • Avoid overburdening electrical outlets with extension cords and lights. Insecure connections and older outlets are prone to sparks and may lead to fires.
  • Lit candles are lovely but also dangerous around trees and other decor. Position them thoughtfully and always put out flames when stepping out of a room.

Monitored fire alarms are a great way to upgrade your protection. When sensors like fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors integrate with your home’s security, you and your 24-hour monitoring professionals will be alerted whenever an alarm sounds, whether you’re there or away.

Remain safe during the holidays with a Vivint smart home in Bloomington

Find all the tools you need to remain safe during the holidays and all year round from Vivint. Our Bloomington home security systems offer modern features like video cameras with active deterrence, custom automation, and monitored environmental alarms. Give us a call at (309) 332-1140 and give your family the gift of better protection this holiday.