From the twinkle of holiday lights to the bustle of cooking and decorating, the holidays are a time for celebration. But it’s also a time increased home accidents and safety risks, so it’s important to take precautions. Follow these holiday home safety tips to stay protected from common hazards.
Decorating and Cooking Fire Safety
With festive lights, candles, and a busy kitchen, fire safety is a top concern. Here are some crucial safety tips for the holidays to prevent accidental fires from ruining your festivities.
- Christmas Tree Care: If you have a real tree, keep it sufficiently watered to prevent drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Keep it away from heat sources like radiators or fireplaces.
- Candle Safety: Use flameless candles wherever possible. If you do use traditional candles, never leave them unattended, especially near curtains, decorations, or other flammable materials. If you’re celebrating Chanukah, make sure your menorah is on a metal tray, appropriately distanced from anything flammable, and don’t leave it unattended while in use.
- Kitchen Safety: Holidays often mean cooking for large groups. Keep an eye on stovetops and ovens to avoid grease fires, and never leave them unattended. Always have a fire extinguisher nearby.
Christmas Lights Safety
Holiday lights are beautiful but they also pose electrical risks if used unsafely. By following these Christmas lights safety practices, you can reduce the risk of electrical fires and enjoy your décor without worry.
- Inspect Lights: Check all holiday lights for frayed wires, broken bulbs, or any damage. Replace or repair faulty strands to avoid electrical shorts.
- Outdoor Lighting: If you use outdoor lights, make sure they are rated for exterior use. Use extension cords that are weather-resistant and rated for outdoor conditions.
- Avoid Overloading Outlets: Plugging too many lights into one outlet can cause overheating and fires. Use power strips with surge protectors to distribute the load safely.
Child Safety Tips for Home Holiday Decorations and Toys
With young children in the home, including childproofing steps in your checklist of holiday home safety tips can prevent common injuries and accidents.
- Ornament Placement: Keep fragile or sharp Christmas ornaments out of reach of young children. Use soft or shatterproof ones on lower branches.
- Toys: Make sure holiday gifts are age-appropriate and don’t contain small parts that could be choking hazards.
- Electrical Cords: Keep electrical cords out of reach of toddlers so they don’t pull down lights or decorations, and to avoid the risk of electric shock.
Pet Safety Tips for Holiday Plants and Decorations
Pets can also be at risk during the holidays. Follow these Christmas season safety tips so you can ensure a safe home for every member of the family—including your pets.
- Toxic Plants: Popular holiday plants like poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe can be toxic to pets if ingested. Keep them out of reach or opt for pet-safe alternatives like the aptly named Christmas cactus.
- Decorations: Pets can easily knock over trees or chew on ornaments and electrical wires. Secure your tree to the wall if necessary, and avoid using tinsel, which is harmful if swallowed.
- Food Safety: Keep human food—especially chocolate and other holiday treats—away from pets to prevent potentially poisoning them.
Home Security Tips While Traveling During the Holidays
For those planning to travel during the holidays, it’s crucial to keep your home secure while you’re gone. These safety tips for the holiday’s travel season help ensure a safe home and your peace of mind.
- Install Timers: Use timers for your indoor and outdoor lights so it looks like someone’s home.
- Notify a Neighbor: Tell a trusted neighbor you’ll be gone. They can keep an eye on your home, and collect mail and packages to prevent signs that your house is unoccupied.
- Security Systems: Make sure your security system is functioning properly before leaving. Some systems even allow you to monitor your home remotely.
This holiday season, staying vigilant with these holiday home safety tips can make all the difference in keeping your home and family safe. Whether it’s fire safety, electrical precautions, or security measures, a little planning goes a long way in ensuring a worry-free festive season.
