How I Keep My Home Safe Over the 4th of July (And You Can Too)

As someone who has worked at J&J Security Services for many years and uses our Alarm.com system at our own home, I can tell you firsthand how much peace of mind smart security brings, especially around the 4th of July.

Like many of you, our family looks forward to celebrating holidays. On the 4th of July we grill out, swim, let the kids run around with glow sticks, and watch the fireworks light up the sky. But before we get into the fun, I always take a few steps to make sure our home is protected, and I encourage our customers to do the same.

Before we leave the house, or even if we’re just in the backyard hosting friends, I know our system is helping keep us safe. Operating it is super easy to do through the Alarm.com app. I can choose a custom scene like “Away” or “Vacation” that takes care of everything in one tap: locking the doors, arming the alarm, adjusting the thermostat, and closing the garage. It feels like putting the house into a safe sleep mode.

We also use smart lighting to make it look like someone is home, even if we’re not. I’ve got a few lights scheduled to turn on at sunset, and I can control others manually from the app. It's a simple step, but it really helps deter unwanted visitors during the holiday when break-ins unfortunately become more common.

Another feature I love, especially on busy holidays, is our live video feed. I can check the cameras while we're out at the fireworks show. If anything unusual happens (or even usual things like an Amazon delivery), I get an alert on my phone. If someone enters the driveway, I know right away.

One tip I always share with families is not to forget about the garage and side gates. These are common entry points that people sometimes overlook in the holiday rush. With the new CarPlay integration, I can now check and control our garage doors right from the car. That came in handy just last weekend when we were on our way to church and realized we forgot to close it.

And of course, if you’re a pet parent like we are, keep in mind how scared animals can get during fireworks. Our indoor camera helps us check in on our cat while we’re out. (She’s famous for squeezing into tight spaces if she’s scared)

The bottom line is that holidays should feel fun and relaxed, not stressful. The right security system makes that possible. Smart home tech not only protects your space, it helps you enjoy time with your family more because you’re not constantly worrying about what’s happening back at home.

So as you prep for your 4th of July festivities, take a few minutes to make sure your home is secure and your system is ready. If you need help setting up scenes, scheduling lights, or adding outdoor cameras give us a call. We use these features ourselves, and we’re happy to help you get the most out of them.

From my family to yours....Have a fun, safe, and sparkly 4th of July!