Safe and Sound for the Season: Essential Holiday Safety Tips

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The rollicking melodies of holiday music throughout the stores and on the radio easily capture our sense of joy, wonder, and goodwill. The twinkling lights, extravagant seasonal displays, and chilly atmosphere inspire us to focus on our homes, where we showcase our distinctive artistic touches, adding to the neighborhood’s festive spirit. Review our holiday safety tips before you string up the lights, prepare a special meal, or light a cozy fire. Prioritizing safety ensures your seasonal celebrations will go on without any worries. 

Deck the Halls Safely: Holiday Safety Tips to Know

• Check used light strands for frays or cracks, and replace empty bulb sockets with new bulbs. Plug them in before arranging them. It’s always good to know beforehand that they’re working well!
• Replace damaged light strands with UL Solutions-approved merchandise. Red UL markings are safe indoors and outdoors; green UL markings are indoors only.
• When decorating outside, keep ladders and decorations away from power lines. Make sure the ladder is stable before you begin climbing. It’s always good to have a partner nearby when you’re on a ladder, too! Do not stand on the top step (or top cap), place it on an unstable base, or move it while someone is on it.
• Never use a hammer and nails to secure outdoor lighting around your house. Instead, purchase special lighting clips made just for this purpose.
• Plug outdoor lights and inflatable decorations into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) to prevent electric shock.
• Limit the load on outdoor extension cords to three strands per cord, and only use approved, heavy-duty extension cords.
• Celebrating the holidays with a live tree? Cut two inches off the trunk before placing it in your tree holder. Remember to keep the water level full. Consider setting an evening reminder every day to check the water level.
• Never use electric lights on a metallic Christmas tree. The tree can become electrically charged if metallic needles become lodged in a light socket.
• Keep trees at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators, and other heat sources, and never block a doorway with your tree.
• Nowadays, window-washing companies install and store holiday decorations for families. Consider contacting one for extra convenience and safety. 

Avoid Fire Hazards

• Never place candles within reach of children or pets or anywhere they might be knocked over.
• Store matches and lighters away from children. Consider keeping them in a locked cabinet or storing them high above a child’s reach.
• Opt for flameless electric candles that are powered by batteries. You can set timers to come on daily and use them year after year! If you’re more of a scented candle fan, try a candle warmer to reduce the fire risk. 
• Never burn trees, greenery roping, wreaths, or wrapping paper in your fireplace. The inks used on wrapping paper can be toxic when burned.
• Use a fireplace screen on your fireplace when a fire is burning. Sparks can fly out quickly and ignite something close by.
• Make sure all embers are extinguished before you go to bed at night. Spread them out and wait for the heat to dissipate before you turn in. Wait overnight or longer for them to cool before you dispose of them.
• Never leave candles or fireplaces burning unattended or when you are asleep. Set a timer for outdoor lights to go off so you won’t have to remember.
• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected annually. Keep the area around the fireplace free from clutter and dust.
• Be informed about the dangers of turkey fryers. If you must fry your own, do so outside, away from structures like homes, cars, and decks. Refrain from using a fryer or grill in your garage!
• Never leave cooking food unattended, whether on the stove or in the oven. Plan your meal accordingly, taking advantage of early preparation and reheating.

The holidays can be a joyful time for family and friends to gather. As you immerse yourself in the cheerful spirit, staying informed about the potential risks associated with seasonal lighting and decorations is crucial. Taking proactive measures to address safety concerns can safeguard your loved ones and property so your celebrations are memorable for all the right reasons. As you embrace the season’s joy, prioritize safety to make this time of year magical for everyone. Enjoy the festivities responsibly!

For Property Damage Restoration, Give PuroClean Restoration Services a Call!

When it comes to the holidays, expect the unexpected! That also applies to property damage, unfortunately. If your property has experienced damage due to accidents, weather-related incidents, or unforeseen circumstances, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team will alleviate the stress so you can focus on what matters most during this special time of year. Whether it’s water damage, fire damage issues, or any other property-related concerns, our professionals are just a phone call away, ready to provide assistance and guidance 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please call (301) 277-2755 today!