Tis the season…to be safe! With holiday decorating, baking, and a house full of guests, accidents are bound to happen. Keep the holidays merry and bright with these twelve holiday safety tips!
1. Keep decorations at least three feet from the fireplace and candles. Before starting a fire in the fireplace, remove any decorations like stockings and garland from the mantel.
2. When setting up decorations, make sure the cords are put away and not in the open. Don’t run them under rugs or furniture, out of windows, or across walkways. They can be a tripping hazard.
3. Do not overload electrical outlets and extension cords. This is one of the main causes of fires during the holidays.
4. Inspect your smoke detectors. This task can go unnoticed, but it is very important to make sure your smoke detectors are working properly. Home fires can happen at anytime of the year, but there’s an increase in fires in the winter months.
5. If you are using a space heater, make sure to turn it off when you leave a room and don’t sit too close to it if you have a blanket on. A space heater can start a fire quickly if not dealt with carefully.
6. If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure it is hydrated to keep it fresh and safe. Real trees dry up and are fire hazards.
7. Inspect your Christmas lights before using them. If they are damaged or worn, do not use them. This is very important before putting them on your tree, especially if the tree is real.
8. Turn Christmas lights off when you go to bed or leave the house. Also, make sure all candles are blown out.
9. When holiday shopping, don’t leave your purchases in plain view in your vehicle. Cover them up or put them in the trunk. Also, check your bank statements regularly and report any suspicious activity. Crime rates usually spike this time of year.
10. When traveling, prepare for the weather that is ahead. If you know you will be on icy roads, get your tires checked beforehand to make sure they are equipped for the road trip. This is also a good time to notify a neighbor that you will be out of town. Home break-ins are high during the holiday season, so letting someone know you will be gone will help if they see suspicious activity near your home.
11. When it comes to cooking, make sure there is always someone in the kitchen when stove burners or the oven is on. And keep the children out of the way, you don’t want them playing in the kitchen when trying to prepare the feast.
12. Keep poisonous holiday plants away from pets and kids. That pretty poinsettia plant you just got looks nice, but its sap can cause stomach distress. There are several winter plants that should be kept away from pets and small children.
Some of these tips might seem like no brainers, but during the holiday season, your mind can quickly be turned to something else. Keep this the most wonderful time of the year by following these tips. From the Alfa® family to yours, have a safe and happy holiday!