Keep Your Home and Family Safe During the Holidays
This year, don’t let the joy of spending time with family and friends be outweighed by the stress of hosting or traveling to see them. Here are some tips for homeowners to keep in mind as they prepare for the holiday season.
- Deck the halls with thoughts of safety
For many of us, it’s time to untangle those strings of holiday lights that have been sitting in storage. While it’s tempting to use the same strands year after year, be sure to replace any lights with frayed wires, broken sockets, or loose connections.
As for that Christmas tree, it’s as beautiful as it is flammable! Be sure to keep it properly watered and hydrated, since dry trees tend to catch flame easier — and of course, make sure to place it far away from any open heat sources. When it’s time to say goodbye to your beautiful holiday centerpiece, be sure to dispose of it properly. Your town’s website should have information about collection and how to prepare your tree for the great beyond.
- Childproof your home
There are a number of things you can do to make your home safer for the nieces, nephews, and grandbabies who might be visiting this year. Place childproof locks on kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and anything that contains substances that can be poisonous. Cover your electrical outlets and check the plates to make sure that little ones can’t get their fingers behind them. Place breakable and heavy appliances and decor out of reach, and make sure pot and pan handles are turned toward the back of the stove while you’re cooking. Keep an eye on the Christmas tree, and make sure breakable ornaments are nearest to the top to avoid dangerous shards of glass later on.
- Secure your house while you’re away
November and December are the most popular months to travel, and thieves are well aware of this. Kevin McCallister from Home Alone solved this problem by setting up an elaborate display to make it look like his family was having a party every night. Luckily, you don’t have to go all out to make your home look occupied. Installing light timers and asking a friend to collect mail or packages while you’re away is usually enough to keep up appearances. And as tempting as it can be to make your followers jealous that you’re spending New Year’s in Key West, avoid sharing your travel plans on social media.
