The smell of freshly baked cookies and twinkling lights in your neighborhood can only mean one thing. That means the holiday season is here! Decorating the house, opening stockings by the fire, lighting the menorah, and toasting the New Year with friends and family are festivals that many people look forward to each year.
While there’s a lot of fun to be had during the holiday season, there’s also a lot of potential for something to go wrong if you’re not careful and prepared. A variety of problems can occur, from house fires and snow damage to theft and burglary. This winter, keep these home safety tips in mind to ensure your upcoming festivities are as safe as possible.
holiday lights safety
There are few traditions more beloved than lighting up your home during the holiday season. Lights certainly add to the holiday spirit, but he can be one of the most dangerous decorations. In fact, according to the NFPA; holiday lights take responsibility for those around you 40% of Christmas tree fires. Before decorating the hall, consider the following precautions:
- Replace light strands that are old, frayed, or have exposed wires.
- Do not plug more than three strands into one extension cord.
- Do not bundle multiple extension cords together.
- Use lightweight paper clips rather than nails or screws, as they can conduct electricity.
- Secure loose light strands to prevent pets or children from pulling or pulling them.
- Use LED lights instead of incandescent lights. It uses less energy and is less likely to cause a fire due to excessive heat release. LED lighting also saves on energy bills.
- Do not shine lights on doors or windows.
- Turn off your lights or set a timer to turn them on when you leave the house.
- Provide proper moisture to the tree. Dry and dying trees are more likely to start a fire.
Decorating outdoor trees, the facade of a house, utility poles, or other structures off the ground often requires the use of a ladder. If you are using a ladder to hang an outdoor light:
- Please wear non-slip shoes.
- Choose the right size ladder. Do not stand on ladders or stack one ladder on top of another.
- As an additional safety measure, work with a partner to hold the ladder.
- To avoid electric shock, avoid using metal ladders if possible.
fire safety
The risk of home fires is highest during the holiday season, which makes installing smoke detectors even more important. If you already have these installed, be sure to test them and replace the batteries if necessary. Now might also be a good time to upgrade to a smart smoke detector that sends alerts directly to your phone.
candle
- If you leave the room for a long time, be sure to extinguish the candles.
- Store decorative candles and menorahs at least 3 feet away from flammable materials and out of reach of children and pets.
- Never place real candles on your Christmas tree.
- Place the candle in a sturdy holder and place it on a flat surface.
heating
- Have your furnace inspected once a year by a professional chimney sweep.
- Avoid hanging stockings, wreaths, and other hanging holiday decorations near heat sources such as fireplaces or space heaters while in use.
- Don’t throw wrapping paper into an indoor fireplace.
- Make sure you have properly functioning carbon monoxide detectors installed near all sleeping areas in your home.
cooking
- Always pay attention to what you are cooking. The most common cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen.
Christmas tree
- If you decide to get a live tree, be sure to water it thoroughly and often. If you choose an artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.
- Place the tree as far away as possible from heat sources such as fireplaces and space heaters.
- Once the holiday season is over or live trees become too dry or die, dispose of them immediately as they can quickly become very flammable.
firework
- Light fireworks only away from homes, buildings, bushes, trees, and other vegetation.
- Do not relight fireworks that have not exploded.
- Follow all local laws and regulations.
home security
The holiday season is supposed to be about spreading joy, but the incidence of theft and robbery is known to spike during this time. To prevent your home from becoming the next burglary target, increase your security measures and consider the following home safety tips.
- If your tree is visible through a window, don’t display presents under it.
- Please be at home as much as possible to have your package delivered. If you’re not home, consider sending your big-ticket item to the post office instead.
- If you are bringing a gift home, be sure to leave the car in the garage with the door closed and do not leave the gift in the car overnight.
- Make sure your doors and windows are locked and secure at all times.
- If you travel, set timers to turn on your lights, notify your family and most trusted neighbors, and keep an eye on your property or shovel your driveway to maintain the impression that someone is home. or ask them to go and pick up the newspaper.
- Don’t post about your travel plans on social media.
If you don’t have a home security system, now may be the right time to invest in one. With more home automation options, it’s become easier and more affordable to remotely monitor your property. There are plenty of smart home technology devices to help keep your home safe this holiday season. Smart locks, video camera doorbells, security cameras, and more. If you plan on going out and don’t have anyone to keep an eye on your home, there are also smart home lighting, thermostats, and sprinkler systems that you can control from anywhere.
Cold Weather Safety: Winterize your home
Snow may be beautiful, but it can be dangerous to your loved ones and your home if you’re not careful during the winter months. Icy driveways, ice dams, and frozen pipes are just a few of the problems that can occur. Please take advantage of it before the real winter cold arrives. Winterize your home.
- Replace screens with storm windows and be sure to seal gaps around doors and windows with weatherstripping.
- Clean not only the roof but also the debris around the house.
- Check all exterior vents and make sure they are closed.
- prevent ice dam Prevents snow from forming on the roof by minimizing the amount of snow melt. Clean your gutters and keep your attic cool and ventilated. Icicles can be a sign that an ice dam is forming.
- Carefully remove any icicles that are within reach. If it is too high or cannot be easily dropped, have it removed by a professional to avoid potential injury.
- Keep driveways and sidewalks clear by shoveling snow, using a snow blower, and using deicer.
- Drain any remaining water from outdoor faucets or sprinkler systems to prevent pipes from freezing.
Road habits are important even in winter. Be sure to prepare your car with a snow brush or ice scraper, and consider keeping salt or cat litter in the trunk in case you encounter icy driveways or roads. Keep all essentials in your vehicle, including a first aid kit, road flares, and a jack. If you’re worried about getting sick in the cold, keep a few extra blankets and coats, too. If you live in an area prone to very heavy snow, such as Minneapolis, don’t forget studded tires and chains.
