HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS

The holidays are here! But, before your out of town guests and family arrive at your home, it’s important to consider a few home safety tips. To avoid a Clark Griswold “Christmas Vacation” style accident be sure to follow these tips! 

Check Your Christmas Lights

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.  
 

Avoid A Christmas Tree Tragedy 

Although it is one of the signature signs of the season, your decorated Christmas 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.

Safe Chimney Access For Santa

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.

Mean Mistletoe

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.
 

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. 
 

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Stouffer Realty wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday!