Ah, the holidays. A special time to gather with loved ones and celebrate age-old traditions. But let’s not allow the festivities distract us from essential safety measures! From cooking to decorating, many potential hazards can arise. Let’s explore precautions to take in every area, so you can be sure your holidays are as safe as they are joyful.
Check Holiday Lights Regularly
Who doesn’t enjoy putting up decorative lights to celebrate the holiday season? Before you string up those lights, make sure to check these safety points:
- Ensure all bulbs are intact.
- Avoid frayed or damaged wires that could spark a fire.
- Don’t overload electrical outlets, as it can cause overheating.
Be Careful with Candles
It’s not the 17th century—we have electricity we can rely on! While candles are a great way to bring in the holiday spirit, it’s important to stay cautious and not get carried away.
- Keep candles away from trees (thankfully, we don’t put them on trees anymore—let’s not bring that tradition back).
- Avoid placing candles near flammable decorations to reduce the risk of fires.
- December is the peak month for candle fires, followed closely by January. In fact, 11% of all candle-related home fires occur in each of these months during the holiday season. Check out the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)’s Home Candle Fire report here as well as their Candle Safety Tips sheet.
- Always use sturdy holders to keep candles stable.
- BLOW THEM OUT! Don’t let your candles burn all the way down. A candle snuffer is a safer alternative. If you leave the room, either have someone stay behind to watch the candles or make sure to blow them out before you go.
Holidays Mean Lots of Cooking
If you’re the chef of the family, here are a few things to keep in mind before donning your apron this holiday season:
- If you use a turkey fryer, watch yo’self before you burn yo’self.
- Always wear long sleeves and oven mitts when handling items in the oven or fryer.
- Ensure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are working and active!some text
- Change batteries once a year.
- Test alarms monthly to ensure they’re working properly.
- The holiday season is the best time to be prepared for any emergencies.some text
- It’s better to be overly safe and cautious now than to be in pain and sorry later!
- NEVER leave food unattended on the stove!
If you need to step away from the kitchen, even for a minute, either turn off the stove or oven, or make sure someone is there to watch what you’re cooking. Let’s avoid as many fires as possible!
What’s Roasting Over the Open Fire?
Who doesn’t find it nostalgic to cozy up next to a fire with a cup of hot cocoa, surrounded by loved ones, with holiday music playing in the background? Before we indulge in this lovely tradition, here are a few important things to be aware of before using your wood-burning fireplace:
- Keep that chimney clean and clear of any smoke residue from holidays past.
- Tend to the flames and keep them at a reasonable height. Avoid letting the fire get too intense, as this could lead to a house fire.
- Practice fire safety with young ones. Teach them not to play with fire—literally. Consider installing a fire gate in front of the fireplace if little ones are running around.
- Keep an eye on curious pets. Don’t let furry friends get too close to the fire, as this could cause burns or serious injuries.
- Don’t leave discarded wrapping paper, tissue paper, or other flammable materials lying around, especially in places where they could catch fire.
Decorating Trees and Houses
We love decking out our homes, inside and out, for the holidays. However, there are some important things to keep in mind when taking out those festive decorations:
- Be super careful with ladders. Climbing to great heights can be a huge accomplishment, but it shouldn’t come at the risk of lives (or limbs). Take your time and stay safe when decorating at height.
- Put cords up and out of the way! Watch out for tripping hazards, especially if you have little ones running around or furry friends that could get tangled.
- Keep cords and decorations out of reach. Make sure there’s nothing that can be chewed on, unplugged, or tripped over.
- Avoid overloading electrical circuits. Overloading can lead to overheating, increasing the risk of fires. Be mindful of how many lights or electrical items you plug into a single outlet.
Let’s enjoy the beauty of the decorations, delicious food, and the company of family and friends. May this holiday season be filled with cherished memories, all while keeping safety at the forefront.
Be safe and enjoy every moment!
The Schaub Insurance Agency Team
