Ho - Ho - Home Safety Tips for the Holiday Season
The holidays are almost here! But, before you hang your stockings by the chimney and line your rooftop with rows of bright, festive lights, take a moment to consider a few safety tips that will make sure you’re nestled all snug in your bed while visions of that jolly man in red dance through your head. Here are five home safety tips for the holiday season:1. All is Calm, All is Bright
Of course, we’re talking about lights. Each year, you should check to make sure that your light strands are in good condition. Look for any frayed cords and broken bulbs. When you’re ready to light up the night, make sure you’re not using more than one extension cord; combining strands can be dangerous. A timer is a great way to regulate your electric usage and make sure that you don’t forget to turn the lights off when you’re not home or when you’re ready for bed.
2. Oh Tannenbaum, Oh Tannenbaum
Although it is one of the signature signs of the season, your decorated, holiday tree also may be one of the most potentially-dangerous holiday hazards, if you don’t exercise a little preventative maintenance. If you adorn your home with a fresh tree each year, make sure to keep it well watered to prevent it from drying out and igniting. Candles are also a beautiful sign of the season, but they should never come anywhere near your tree, fresh or artificial. When you’re putting the topper and other finishing touches on your tree, make sure you’re safely climbing with the help of a ladder or step stool. Finally, in addition to making sure you place the tree in the most appealing spot in your home, also make sure it is in a safe spot: furnace vents and fireplaces are not ideal locations.
3. Down through the Chimney
Despite the fact that tradition would have a pleasantly plump white-bearded man safely shuffling down your chimney on Christmas Eve, the fireplace can be a hotbed for danger, not only during the holidays, but during any season. Before you decide to conspire and dream by the fire, make sure to remove your stockings, garland or other decorations that may be nearby. The fireplace also should not be a dumping ground for leftover wrapping paper.
4. Mistletoe Hung Where You Can See
Denying the seasonal beauty of poinsettias, mistletoe and holly berries is hard to do, but it is important to recognize their dangers, too. In fact, all three holiday favorites can be toxic to humans and pets. So, if you have small children or four-legged family members, be sure that your seasonal flowers and plants are well out of their reach.
5. Do You Know What I Know?
Undoubtedly, being proactive is the best way to make sure that your home is safe this holiday season. Practice precaution by checking smoke alarms before you begin decorating; after all, you should be checking them each month, anyway. Keeping a fire extinguisher handy is also a good idea, whether you’re hosting holiday dinner or just baking some delicious cookies. Finally, it can’t hurt to ask a friend or neighbor to check on your home if you happen to be traveling this holiday season – and, even if you’re not.
Instead of safety concerns, make sure that only visions of sugar plums dance in your head during the holidays. For more tips on how to keep your home safe throughout the holiday season:
https://brightnest.com/posts/holiday-home-safety-tips
http://www.nachi.org/holidaysafety.htm
http://www.parents.com/holiday/christmas/safety/12-tips-for-holiday-home-safety/
