Holiday Home Safety Tips

The holidays are a wonderful time of year, full of festive parties, elaborate decorations, joyous memory-making, and lots of family fun. It is also the time of year for emergency room visits, colds and flu, thrown-out backs, visits from the fire department, and old-fashioned 911 calls! For most people who get hurt during this time of year, it’s due to partaking in some kind of holiday tradition where they just simply overlook the potential for danger. Despite the glitz and glamour of the season, people (especially first-time homebuyers) need to be aware of the potential dangers in things like crowded electrical outlets, climbing on your roof, and plain old carelessness.

Here are some of the most important safety tips to remember this holiday season:

1. Do not use interior extension cords for exterior lights. Cheap interior extension cords that will be potentially covered in snow pose a fire risk.

2. Place breakable glass ornaments on the top of the tree to keep out of the reach of small kids and pets. Also don’t forget to decorate the back of the tree so it is not heavy on one side.

3. Use a safety harness while climbing around on your roof and putting up decorations.  If you don’t have one, at least use the buddy system, and do not go up on a roof by yourself.

4. Do not light a fire if you have not had your chimney inspected and you know it is working properly. This is especially true if you have just acquired the home.

5. Pay someone in advance to be your designated driver for holiday parties and events. (Uber or Lyft are great options) This could also be a great opportunity for your high school nieces and nephews to make some extra cash and you don’t have to think twice about it after that!

6. Make sure to take care while washing all those endless dishes, using carving knives, and handling hot plates. Using a good pair of rubber gloves for the sink and an oven mitt will prevent cuts, damaged skin, and burns.

7. Cutting firewood is something that should be done in advance, during the day, and while sober. It is not a test of your manhood or a good idea to see who can cut the biggest log in half in one chop after having a few holiday cocktails!

8. Be wary of food allergies. Holiday parties are a great time to make gorgeous elaborate dishes, but ones that have hidden ingredients in them like seafood stock or nuts should be clearly labeled for guests.

9. Make sure you travel with your health insurance information, so that you are not lost in case of an emergency.

10. Take your car in for a winter weather check if you plan to do any traveling via your automobile. These kinds of checks are pretty cheap and will cover things like belts, tires, hoses, fluids, and breaks.

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday!