Your Hosting Guide: How To Stay Safe This Holiday Season
Have a special, magical celebration with these holiday safety tips.
Have a special, magical celebration with these holiday safety tips.
Holiday season is here, and with it, magical joy, gatherings with loved ones, and your typical seasonal internal debates: “Should I be looking for gift ideas?” “Should I choose a fake Christmas tree or a live tree?” “How can I let Mom know I don’t need yet another Christmas sweater?”
These are all valid questions, of course. However, with plenty of people coming and going at your house, there’s one more question you shouldn’t ignore, especially if you’re hosting a holiday party: “How can we all stay safe this holiday season?”
The holiday season is a special time for opening your home to friends and family. Being a thoughtful holiday host involves finding the perfect balance between hospitality, celebration, and safety. Here are six tips for ensuring a wonderful, magical experience at home, safely.
First, make family and friends always feel at home. When arriving from a long flight, your guests will probably just want a good shower and a comfortable bed. Plan ahead and have everything ready for them. Prepare a cozy sleeping space with fresh linens, pillows, and blankets. Provide essentials such as towels, toiletries, and a clear guide to your home’s amenities.
Also, keep in mind that flights can get delayed, and your guests might arrive late at night. Consider installing motion-activated indoor and outdoor lights to prevent them from tripping while carrying their baggage in the dark. Some security cameras, like the Arlo 2nd Generation Essential Wireless Security Camera, come with a built-in, motion-sensing spotlight.
During the holiday season, the weather has a reputation for bringing unexpected guests into the celebrations. Depending on your location, you may want to prepare for snow, heavy rains, or strong winds. (Sometimes, you may get all three at once.)
Clear driveways and walkways of snow and ice to prevent slips and falls. Have additional umbrellas available for anyone, and keep extra blankets at hand in case it gets chilly. If you’re planning outdoor activities, have an indoor backup plan in case of bad weather conditions. Your family baseball game might not be so fun under inclement rains.
If you’re considering installing security cameras for the season, make sure they are weather-proof. You don’t want your cameras ruined by that first snowflake. Most of Arlo security cameras, like the Arlo Ultra 2, are weather-resistant for year-round security. This model also features 4K video with HDR and an ultra-wide viewing angle.
As your guests start arriving, you’ll likely be busy with every other party preparation. Consider installing a video doorbell, as it offers you some quite useful features to monitor heavy foot traffic this holiday season. For instance, reliable video doorbells allow you to see arriving guests even before they ring the doorbell.
Explore options like the Arlo 2nd Generation Video Doorbell, which features Night Vision, Motion Detection, and 2-Way Audio. With its HD or 2K camera, you can see who’s at your door, whether you’re at home or out shopping for gifts. If you’re busy in the kitchen, you can speak with them and let them know you’ll be there in a second.
Holiday meals should be special and surprising. Consider giving your famous recipes a holiday themed spin. Season staples, like cinnamon sticks, can add surprising depth and flavor to your dishes.
Just remember to consider allergies and dietary restrictions for planning the party menu. When sending out invitations, kindly inquire if your guests have any dietary restrictions or food allergies. If so, be sure to provide alternative food and drink options.
Guests may offer to bring their very own dishes. In this case, kindly remind them to consider any food allergies among the rest of the guest list.
Depending on the weather, ordering your groceries online could also be a good idea. A smart doorbell like the mentioned Arlo 2nd Gen Video Doorbell can let you know when the deliveries are at your front door.
As you turn your home into a holiday wonderland, be mindful of potential hazards. Check your holiday lights for any damaged wires, and don’t overload electrical outlets or extension cords. Keep flammable materials, like wrapping paper, away from candles or any other open flame. If kids are going to be present, be proactive and childproof your decorations. Don’t forget to put out the fire from your electric or wood burning fireplace to keep stockings and decor away from open flames when you’re not actively able to monitor.
Consider installing a home security system. They are useful for detecting many different threats—not only potential intruders. Options like the Arlo Home Security System come with All-in-One Sensors. These allow detecting smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, water leaks, and more.
It’s no secret that the holidays are hectic. Always leave early to give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination, never leave valuable gifts in the car, and always stay aware in the parking lot. Plus, include Arlo Safe in case of unavoidable emergencies. Whether you need emergency help immediately or just want someone to know you’re OK, Arlo Safe delivers personal protection for ultimate peace of mind when you’re on the go.
No matter what the holiday season may bring, make sure your celebration is memorable for all the right reasons. Keep the holiday spirits bright while staying safe with Arlo security cameras, video doorbells, and home security systems. Give yourself the stress-free gift that keeps on giving: Peace of mind.
