It’s that time of year when the “hustle and bustle” of the holidays begins in full force. You may feel like your to-do lists for decorating, shopping, and baking will never end!
Whether you own your home or currently rent, now is the time to make sure you’re prepared and aware of any unique hazards that tend to come up at this time of year. This handy guide will show you how to keep your home safe and secure for you, your family, and any guests. You’ll be all set for a happy holiday full of good cheer and worry free.
Fire Prevention
Test and check your batteries in all smoke and CO detectors. If your detectors have been around for more than 10 years, they are past their prime. Replace them and add fresh batteries.
If you don’t have one already – purchase a fire extinguisher and mount it centrally in your home. If you have a large home or a two story home, have 2 extinguishers. Know how to use it!
Never leave a space heater unattended and, better yet, buy one that automatically shuts off.
Have a fire escape plan for your family (and any guests). If your home or bedrooms are on a second floor or higher, please consider investing in a fire escape ladder like one of these.
Trees
Artificial trees should be labeled “fire resistant”. It could still catch on fire but it will be more resistant to burning and spreading a fire.
Check to make sure a natural tree is fresh, with green needles that don’t break easily, and the trunk should have a sticky resin on the bottom. Needles should not fall off if you tap the tree on the ground. Cut two inches off the trunk and put it in water when you bring it home. Don’t forget to water it or have someone else water it if you go away for a few days.
Don’t hesitate to remove your live tree when it’s starting to look dry and needles are dropping. It’s not worth the risk.
Avoid using old-fashioned metallic trees since they can pose an electrocution danger. Even if you like retro trees and even ornaments, the safety requirements are mostly outdated.
Place your tree away from fireplaces and radiators.
Make sure your tree is securely anchored and won’t tip over, especially by small children and pets.
Don’t block doorways or passageways or make it too tight for decent room flow.
Lights
Consider buying LED lights since they don’t produce as much heat and use less electricity.
Inspect your lights – new or old – for frayed or bare wires, broken or cracked sockets, loose plugs, and excessive kinking. Throw out damaged sets and replace burned-out bulbs. When replacing bulbs, unplug the light string and be sure to match voltage and wattage to the original bulb.
To prevent overheating, plug in no more than one extension cord per socket and string no more than three sets of traditional lights together.
When using an extension cord, make sure it is rated for its intended use. Make sure it’s safely out of the way of any traffic flow.
Never use lights on metallic trees.
Make sure outdoor lights have been certified for outdoor use.
Outdoor lights should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to protect against electric shock. This device cuts off the current if a leak is detected; without one, a damaged wire can transfer electricity into water or metal, making it “live” and dangerous.
Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house. Or, consider buying a timer for Christmas lights that automatically turns them off at set times.
Decorations
Be careful not to leave candles burning unattended, or use battery-operated or solar-powered ones. There are more products with better and safer “flames” out there to choose from!
Use non-combustible, flame-resistant materials for your decorations. Remember retro or vintage ornaments could pose a danger. Perhaps put them in a bowl or scattered as table decorations rather than on a lighted tree.
Hang all glass and breakable ornaments near the top or middle of the tree to avoid children and pets grabbing them.
Instead of hooks consider using ribbon to tie ornaments on branches. Children and pets can choke on hooks. Also, avoid sharp or breakable decorations, those with small removable parts that could be swallowed, and any trimmings that resemble candy or food that might be eaten.
When hanging decorations high up on trees or stringing lights on your home, make sure you use the correct ladder height and you’ve got someone to help you hold the ladder.
Fireplaces
Use the fireplace screen to prevent sparks from shooting across the room.
Never ever burn wrapping paper since it can ignite suddenly, resulting in a flash fire. Remove any flammable objects nearby, such as wrapping paper, decorations, etc.
Hire a professional to clean your fireplace before you decide to light it this season.
Guests
If you are having guests stay with you this year, think about these tips:
- Lock up any medications and cleaners to keep children visitors safe. It’s a good idea to do a walk-through of your home for any hidden hazards for young guests.
- Make sure area rugs have a non-skid backing to avoid slips for those who are not familiar with your home; and keep walkways clutter free to prevent trips. Clear outside walkways and doorsteps too to avoid slippery surface.
- Use a hall nightlight to help overnight guests find their way to the bathroom.
Preventing Thefts
If you expect to have packages delivered to your home while you’re at work, have a plan in place to avoid having them left for hours on your stoop. If your work place allows, have packages delivered to work instead. There’s also Amazon Locker locations that will hold packages so check and see if you have one nearby.
If you plan to go away for a few days – make your home looked lived in. Put lights on timers; have a friendly neighbor keeps an eye out for snooping strangers, picks up your mail, and puts out the trash. And always lock up all doors and windows.
If you buy large expensive gifts, such as a big screen TV, cut up the boxes and put in trash bags before putting out on the street for trash pickup. You don’t need to let others know what goodies you got this year!
Now you’re all set to enjoy a safe, happy, and worry free holiday season… Merry, Merry!
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