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. ACS’s advanced security solutions offer peace of mind during these vulnerable times.
Home Security: Your Festive Fortress
- : The holiday season often means guests and deliveries. With ACS’s smart locks, you can control access to your home remotely, ensuring that only authorized individuals can enter.
- : Keep an eye on your holiday decorations and more importantly, your home, with ACS’s surveillance cameras. Whether you’re home or away, these cameras offer real-time monitoring and alerts.
- : Automated lighting can be a deterrent to burglars. Use ACS’s smart lighting solutions to simulate occupancy even when you’re away, keeping your home less attractive to potential intruders.
- : The risk of fire increases with holiday lights and candles. Smart smoke detectors from ACS can alert you immediately, even when you’re not home.
- : Holiday shopping means more packages. Consider installing ACS’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 ACS 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 ACS app. 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 ACS, 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 ACS, 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. ACS’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 ACS’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 ACS’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 ACS’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 ACS, and when you’re ready to start building your custom system and plan, contact us and get a free quote fast! At ACS, we value our customer’s trust in us to protect their homes and businesses.