Holiday Travel Tips

As we enter the holiday season, it's essential to practice safe travel and make sure you leave your home protected. Here are some helpful tips from your Comtronics safety experts:

Leaving Your Home

1. Ensure your security system is functioning properly and that you arm your system before you leave

It's important to make sure any devices with a low battery have been serviced and that your system is communicating properly before you leave. By calling our Support Team, you can test you alarm system to make sure there are no concerns with your system.

While you are away, you can use our app, Total Connect, to check in on your house by viewing your cameras, automating the thermostat, checking your flood sensors, and more!

2. Leave a few lights on

By leaving lights on, your home will appear to be occupied. This is a huge deterrent to burglars as they often look for crimes of opportunity.

With smart home automation, you can set timers on your interior lights to have them turn on and off at certain times of the day.

3. Unplug devices that do not need to be plugged in

Power surges are unpredictable so, it's best to be prepared. Disconnect electronics that do not need to be plugged in like your computer, tv, stereo, and other devices. If you have a surge protector that you can plug your devices into, it will also provide protection for your electronics.

4. Protect your pipes

In cold weather, your pipes are at risk of freezing or bursting. Ensure that pipes in vulnerable areas, like the attic or basement, are insulated. Set your thermostat at 55 degrees or above to help keep the temperature in your house up.

5. Pause your mail or have a neighbor pick it up for you

An overflowing mailbox is a sure sign of an empty house. Having a friend or neighbor grab your mail will make your home appear to be occupied. Further, holidays are one of the busiest times for package delivery. Ask a friend or neighbor to regularly check your porch to avoid having your items stolen or destroyed in the weather.

Road Travel

1. Make sure your car is in good condition for the trip

For most people, driving is a regular part of your day, so you know whether your car is in good condition. However, a quick tune-up, oil change, tire check, fluids check, and lights check will help ensure safe travels. It's always important to have working windshield wipers, as wet or snowy conditions are almost guaranteed around the holidays.

2. If you are traveling in the snow, make sure you have an emergency kit in your car

We recommend carrying an emergency kit with the following items: first-aid supplies, blankets, flashlights, batteries, flares, a shovel, quick-energy foods (like granola bars, or dried fruits and nuts), water, and sand, salt or cat litter for traction.

3. Stay alert

Winter means snow, ice, rain, and early sunsets. Be sure to be aware of slippery or dangerous road conditions. Make sure you are focused on keeping your eyes on the road and off of your cell phone. Also, avoid heavy meals before driving, as this can lead to fatigue. Lastly, if you have been drinking, do not drive.

Health and Wellbeing

1. It's cold season!

On top of it being cold season, you are seeing many people in a short amount of time. The risk of catching a cold or other bug is high! Make sure your family stays healthy by keeping yourselves hydrated, washing your hands regularly, ingesting enough Vitamin C, and getting enough sleep.

2. Food poisoning is more common than you might think

Practice safe cooking habits to protect the whole family from food poisoning. Be sure to use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for raw and cooked meat to avoid cross-contamination. Also, utilize a meat thermometer to make certain meat is thoroughly cooked. Finally, put leftovers in the fridge within two hours of being served.

3. Be mindful of the gifts you give to small children and the gifts your children receive

Gifts should inspire joy and not cause injuries. Be cautious of toys that have button batteries or magnets; these can be harmful or even fatal if swallowed. Toys with small pieces are also a choking hazard, so make sure the toy you buy is appropriate for the child's age. Lastly, if given a bike or scooter, be sure you have the proper safety gear to go with it: helmet, knee and elbow pads, etc.

We wish you a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. We are here to protect what you love. If you have any questions about your home's safety while traveling this holiday season, call or text us at 517-787-2900 or email us at help@comtronics.com. 

Happy Holidays from your Comtronics Family!