The holiday season is here, bringing decorations, delicious meals, and gatherings with loved ones. While all this adds joy, it’s also the time to take a few precautions to ensure a safe holiday for everyone. Here are some practical tips to keep your home and guests safe and the season bright.
Deck the Halls Safely: Decorating Tips
Decorating is one of the most exciting parts of the holiday season, but it can also pose risks if not done carefully. Here’s how to keep your home looking festive while creating a safe holiday environment:
- Holiday lights: Check all light strands for frayed wires or broken bulbs before hanging them. Use lights marked for outdoor use if placing them outside and avoid overloading outlets.
- Candle use & placement: Set candles on sturdy, heat-resistant surfaces and keep them well away from decorations, curtains, and trees. To avoid forgetting to do this, opt for battery-operated candles, which add ambiance without the flame risk.
- Secure the tree: For a safe holiday, position your tree at least 3 feet away from fireplaces or heat sources. Anchor it well to prevent tipping, especially if you have children or pets.
- Ladder safety: When reaching for high spots to decorate, use a sturdy ladder rather than standing on chairs or countertops. For a little extra fun, enlist a friend or family member to "spot" you and make decorating a team effort.
Electrical Safety for a Bright & Safe Holiday
Holiday lights, electronic decorations, and power cords are all part of creating a special holiday glow – but they come with electrical risks. These safe holiday tips can help you avoid electrical mishaps:
- Use appropriate extension cords: Choose cords rated for indoor or outdoor use, as needed. Avoid running cords under rugs, as this can cause them to overheat.
- Unplug when not in use: Turn off lights and decorations before leaving the house or going to bed. This small habit is a simple way to avoid overheating.
- Surge protectors: Use power strips with built-in surge protectors, especially if plugging in multiple lights or decorations. This helps prevent potential power surges from damaging your devices.
Kitchen Safety for a Safe Holiday Feast
The kitchen is often a holiday hub where loved ones like to gather. It’s also a place where accidents can happen – and the more cooking being done, the greater the accident risk. Follow these tips to enjoy a safe holiday without any mishaps:
- Stay nearby when cooking: Unattended cooking is a leading cause of kitchen fires. When using the stove or oven, always stay in the kitchen, especially with high heat.
- Keep flammable items away from heat: Items like oven mitts, towels, and even decorations should be kept a safe distance from the stove and other heat sources.
- Set a timer for every dish: With so much going on, it’s easy to lose track of time. Use timers for everything you’re cooking to avoid overcooking or burning food.
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy: Make sure there’s an accessible fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen – and ensure everyone in the household knows how to use a fire extinguisher.
- Be cautious with grease: If cooking with oil or grease, heat it slowly to avoid splattering. In case of a grease fire, never use water; instead, smother the flames with a lid or baking soda.
Christmas Tree Safety Tips
A beautiful Christmas tree is a season staple, but it’s essential to take a few steps to prevent any hazards:
- Water real trees daily: Real trees are lovely, but they can become a fire hazard as they dry out. Keep your tree hydrated by watering it every day for a safe holiday season.
- Choose safe ornaments: If you have young kids or pets, place fragile or breakable ornaments higher on the tree. Avoid ornaments with small parts posing a choking hazard.
- Position and secure: Keep the tree away from heat sources, including radiators, space heaters, and fireplaces. Make sure it’s stable and won’t tip over with a little nudge.
Party-Ready Hosting Safety Tips
Holiday parties bring friends and family together, but can also introduce extra risks when there are more than the usual amount of people in the house. Here are tips to keep you and your holiday guests comfortable and safe:
- Clear walkways: Make sure all high-traffic areas are free of cords, rugs, and other tripping hazards. Store decorations out of pathways to avoid falls.
- Mindful seating and spacing: If you’re arranging extra chairs or tables, ensure there’s enough space for guests to move around safely. Keep drinks and hot dishes away from table and counter edges.
- Pet safety: If you have pets, set up a cozy area away from the main party space where they can relax. This keeps both guests and pets safe from accidental run-ins.
Enjoy a Safe Holiday Season with These Simple Precautions
Taking a few extra steps to create a safe holiday environment allows everyone to relax and focus on enjoying each other’s company. By ensuring decorations are secure, lights are safely connected, and walkways are clear, you’ll set the stage for a worry-free holiday season. Remember, the best holiday gift is peace of mind from a safe and welcoming home.
Let the festivities begin! From all of us here at The Windward Insurance Agency, may your home be merry, bright, and safe all season long! And if you need help finding the right type of home, condo, renters or other types of insurance, get a quote on our website now, or call us at (866) 231-2433.
