The holiday season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and festive decorations. But did you know that it also comes with increased risks of home fires? From electrical decorations to increased heating, the chances of a fire starting in your home rise significantly. At Custom Security Systems, we understand the importance of preparing your home and security system to prevent such hazards. By following our home fire prevention tips and using Custom Security Systems’ advanced safety systems, you can ensure a safe and happy holiday for your family.
1. Secure and Optimize Your Home Lighting for Holiday Safety
Use Smart Lighting for Seasonal and Everyday Security
Shorter days during the holiday season mean darker evenings. Using bright lights can help keep your home safe by automatically turning on a smart lighting control system as you arrive home, eliminating dark entrances that may invite intruders or increase indoor fire hazards. Set schedules for your lights to ensure you never come home to a dark house.
Safe and Efficient Holiday Lighting Tips
Automate your holiday lights to turn on and off at set times. This minimizes the risk of overheating and helps keep your energy bill in check. And, of course, a vital holiday home safety tip is to always check cords and outlets to avoid overloading, a common cause of holiday fires.
Vacation Lighting Protection
If you’re traveling, use a randomized lighting schedule to make it appear as though someone is home. This deters potential intruders and avoids the need for continuous lighting, reducing fire risks.
2. Life Safety Devices: Smoke and Heat Detectors
Standard Smoke Detectors
Make sure your smoke detectors are updated and tested, especially during the holidays when fire hazards are high due to candles, fireplaces, cooking, and holiday lighting.
Heat Detectors for Enhanced Fire Prevention
Install heat detectors in high-risk areas like garages, where fires may start from lithium batteries in toys or tools. Many holiday gifts include rechargeable lithium batteries, which can pose risks if they overheat. A heat detector can alert you before a fire spreads.
3. Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Protect Against Hidden Dangers
Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are crucial, especially during colder months when heating systems are used more frequently and can put you at risk for CO poisoning. Be aware of CO risks from exhausts, like carpet cleaning services or gas-powered generators.
4. Regular System Checks and Updates
Prepare Your Security System for the Season
Check all safety devices, alarm systems, and smart home features before the holiday rush. Custom Security Systems can assist with system checks, ensuring everything is optimized. Make sure all life safety devices, lights, and security cameras are connected and functioning correctly through the app for easy management.
Real Customer Encounter: How a Heat Detector Prevented a Holiday Fire
A Custom Security Systems customer avoided a significant house fire thanks to a heat detector in their garage. A lithium battery in their child’s toy overheated while they were out of town. The heat detector caught the rise in temperature quickly, triggering an alert that allowed them to act before the fire reached their home. Custom Security Systems’ systems are designed to give you peace of mind by catching hazards before they escalate.
Stay Protected This Holiday Season with Custom Security Systems
Custom Security Systems’ integrated fire prevention features — bright lighting, package alerts, heat, and CO detectors — help keep families safe.
Contact Custom Security Systems for a seasonal system check or upgrade by calling 225-927-5535 or sending us a message online. Ensure your peace of mind and safety during the holidays and beyond.