🎄Holiday Hazards to Avoid: A Handy Guide for Safe Celebrations

Holiday Cheer, Minus the Hazards

The holiday season is all about cheer, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare if safety takes a back seat.

Follow these simple tips to help keep your home merry—and safe!

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Deck the Halls Without the Falls: Your Guide to Christmas Home Safety

Ah, the holiday season—a time for festive lights, decorated trees, and the sweet aroma of cookies baking. But before you get too cozy, let's talk about keeping your home safe during this merry time. After all, nothing says "Bah, humbug!" like an avoidable accident. So, let's dive into some practical tips to ensure your holidays remain joyful and incident-free.

1. Keep That Tree Hydrated

A dry Christmas tree is basically kindling waiting for a spark. According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2016 and 2020, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 160 home fires per year that started with Christmas trees.

State Farm

• Fresh Cut: When selecting a real tree, ensure it's fresh—the needles should be green and hard to pull off.

• Watering: Place the tree in a stand that holds water and top it up daily. A well-watered tree is less likely to catch fire.

• Placement: Keep the tree at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, or candles.

2. Don't Overload Electrical Outlets

Overloading outlets is a common cause of holiday fires.

• Inspect Lights: Before hanging, check all light strings for frayed wires, broken sockets, or loose connections. Damaged lights should be replaced.

• Limit Connections: Follow the manufacturer's guidelines on how many light strands can be safely connected.

• Use Power Strips: Employ power strips with built-in circuit breakers to prevent overloads.

• Turn Off When Unattended: Always turn off holiday lights when you leave the house or go to bed.

3. Safe Decorating Practices

Holiday decorating can lead to injuries if you're not careful.

• Ladder Safety: Use a sturdy ladder when hanging decorations, and ensure it's on a flat surface. Maintain three points of contact to prevent falls.

• Avoid Sharp Hooks: Opt for plastic hooks or clips instead of nails or metal tacks to hang decorations, reducing the risk of electrical hazards.

4. Clear Sidewalks and Driveways

Snowy and icy walkways are accidents waiting to happen.

• Shovel Regularly: Keep sidewalks and driveways clear of snow to prevent slips and falls.

• Use Ice Melt: Apply salt or sand to icy areas to improve traction.

• Proper Footwear: Wear shoes with good traction when walking outside to reduce the risk of slipping.

5. Be Mindful of Candles

Candles add ambiance but also increase fire risk.

• Placement: Keep candles away from flammable materials like curtains or decorations.

• Never Leave Unattended: Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.

• Consider Alternatives: Battery-operated flameless candles can provide the same ambiance without the fire risk.

6. Safe Gift Handling

Believe it or not, even your gift-giving habits can impact home safety.

• Avoid Posting on Social Media: Sharing pictures of expensive gifts can attract burglars. Wait until after the holidays to post about your new gadgets.

  The Sun

• Dispose of Packaging Discreetly: Don't leave boxes of high-end items (like TVs or gaming consoles) visible by the curb. Break them down and conceal them to avoid advertising your new valuables.

7. Kitchen Safety

Holiday feasts can lead to kitchen chaos.

• Stay Attentive: Never leave cooking food unattended.

• Keep Flammable Items Away: Ensure oven mitts, towels, and wooden utensils are kept away from the stovetop.

• Child-Free Zone: Establish a "kid-free zone" of at least three feet around the cooking area to prevent accidents.

8. Secure Your Home

With increased travel during the holidays, empty homes can be targets for burglars.

• Lock Doors and Windows: Ensure all entry points are secure before leaving.

• Use Timers: Set timers for lights to give the appearance that someone is home.

• Hold Mail: If you're away for an extended period, have the post office hold your mail or ask a neighbor to collect it.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a festive, safe, and worry-free holiday season. Remember, a little precaution goes a long way in preventing holiday mishaps. Stay safe, and happy holidays!

Q&A - How can I prevent porch pirates from steeling my stuff?

Porch pirates are a modern-day Grinch, but you can outsmart them with these practical tips:

1. Use a Secure Delivery Location

• Amazon Lockers: Deliver packages to secure lockers available at local stores or gas stations.

• Hold for Pickup: Ask carriers like UPS or FedEx to hold packages at their locations for pickup.

• Workplace Delivery: If allowed, have items sent to your workplace.

2. Install Smart Home Tech

• Video Doorbells: Devices like Ring or Nest not only record activity but can also notify you instantly when someone approaches.

• Porch Cameras: Place visible cameras to deter thieves. Most burglars don’t want to risk being recorded.

3. Set Up Delivery Alerts

• Sign up for text or email notifications so you know exactly when your packages arrive.

4. Get Creative with Package Placement

• Delivery Instructions: Request drivers place packages in a less visible spot, like behind a planter or inside a storage bench.

• Parcel Lockboxes: Install a lockable delivery box on your porch.

5. Partner with Neighbors

• Coordinate with a trusted neighbor to grab packages when you’re not home. Or, take turns watching each other’s porches during busy delivery days.

6. Schedule Deliveries

• Choose a delivery time when you’re home, or use stores offering same-day pickup.

7. Fake Them Out

• Add a "Smile, You're on Camera" sign. Even if you don’t have a camera, the sign itself can act as a deterrent.

With these steps, you’ll make life a lot harder for porch pirates—and a lot easier for yourself!