Between decorating, cooking, and buying gifts, the holidays are a heightened season for home safety. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 30% of all house fires occur from December through February, with cooking equipment being the largest source of home fires throughout the year. In addition to home fires, approximately 5,800 people are treated in the emergency room for outdoor decoration related injuries mainly due to falling from ladders or roofs. There’s no need to panic, we’re here to help you make safety your top priority this holiday season.
Decorating Safety
Christmas trees can be a huge safety liability, so here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing one. If you are buying an artificial tree, look for one with a fire-resistant label. If you decide on a real tree, make sure to water the tree regularly to keep it fresh. Regardless of the type of tree you decide on, keep it away from fireplaces, radiators, or other sources of heat.
When selecting other decorations for your home, stick with fire-resistant and non-combustible décor. Use indoor lights for the interior of your home and exterior lights for the outside. Be mindful of who you’re entertaining this holiday season when decorating. Keep breakable, sharp ornaments and other décor out of reach from small children and pets. Avoid using candles near greenery and other flammable objects. Keep poisonous plants like poinsettias, holy berries, and mistletoe away from pets and children.
Candles can really create a warm ambiance and leave the home smelling like the holidays. Be careful where you place candles and how long you burn them for. Leaving candles unattended and near flammable décor like dried greenery can start a fire in your home. Keep candles out of reach from children and pets. If you’re concerned about the possibility of fire, utilize battery powered flameless candles for a safe alternative.
When using a ladder to hang decorations, make sure to practice ladder safety. Place the ladder on steady ground and do not stand on the top rung. To avoid injury, have another person assist you and hold the ladder as you climb.
Electrical Safety
Before hanging lights anywhere in or on your home, plug them in to make sure all bulbs are working. Inspect the lights to make sure there are no frayed wires or broken sockets. Check instructions on the lights to ensure you don’t connect too many strands together. Ensure outside power strips are weatherproof and all décor is plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter. Avoid putting nails or tacks through wires when hanging. Stick to hooks or other fasteners that won’t cause damage. Most importantly, don’t forget to turn off your holiday lights when leaving the house or going to sleep.
Cooking Safety
It’s easy to get caught up in the joy of the holidays, but make sure someone is always paying attention in the kitchen. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States. Do not leave kitchen appliances in use unattended. Keep children and pets out of the kitchen to protect any appliances, like crockpots or mixers, that may have power cords that hang down. Don’t forget to prep and serve food safely to avoid food borne illness as well.
Home Security
Protect your loved ones, gifts, and valuables with home security. Whether you’re traveling or hosting, installing a home security system will help ensure your home is safe from theft. If you already have a home security system installed, check to make sure everything is working and heighten the security measures if needed.
Be proactive this holiday season to enjoy a stress-free celebration. If you need help preparing your home for the holiday season, reach out to us today. We’re here to help you and your loved ones enjoy the holidays without the hassle. On behalf of Westwood Home Services, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!
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