Stay Safe and Enjoy: Essential Holiday Safety Tips

December 20, 2023 | Written by Jerry Nicklow

Essential Holiday Safety Tips

The holiday season is all about joy, family, and making memories. But amidst the hustle and bustle, it’s crucial to keep safety in mind. As we deck the halls and light up our homes, let’s not forget to safeguard them as well. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and let’s dive into some essential holiday safety tips to ensure your season is merry and bright, and most importantly, safe.

Travel Smart and Safe

When you’re hitting the road this holiday season, remember safety first! Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready with proper maintenance, and always keep an emergency kit on hand. If you’re traveling long distances, plan your route ahead and stay updated on weather conditions. Remember, there’s no shame in delaying travel for safety!

Deck the Halls with Care

Decorating is a big part of the holiday fun. But did you know that decorations can pose risks? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Inspect Holiday Lights: Check for frayed wires or broken bulbs. It’s better to replace than to risk a fire.
2. Tree Safety: If you have a live tree, keep it watered to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Artificial tree enthusiasts, ensure your tree is flame-retardant.
3. Candle Caution: Candles add a cozy ambiance, but never leave them unattended. Better yet, opt for LED candles – they’re just as festive without the risk.

Fire Prevention: A Must for the Holidays

The holidays can unfortunately bring an increased risk of house fires. Here’s what you can do to prevent them:

1. Stay Kitchen Alert: Never leave your cooking unattended. Most home fires start in the kitchen, especially with the popularity of turkey fryers. Check out our blog on turkey frying safety.
2. Fireplace Safety: Enjoy your fireplace responsibly. Use a screen to prevent sparks from flying out and never leave it burning unsupervised.  And don’t forget to properly dispose of your ashes.  We see too many fires started when folks simply put the ashes in the trash can while they are still hot.
3. Heating Safeguards: Service your furnace before the season kicks in.  And if you’re using space heaters, keep them away from flammable materials and ensure proper ventilation.

Secure Your Home Sweet Home

The holiday season unfortunately sees a spike in burglaries. Keep your home safe with these tips:

1. Use Timers and Smart Locks: Make your house appear occupied even when you’re not home. Timers can turn lights on and off, and smart locks add an extra layer of security.
2. Don’t Advertise Your Absence: Avoid posting your holiday plans on social media. It’s an open invitation to burglars.
3. Secure Windows and Doors: Always double-check locks on doors and windows before leaving the house.
4. Keep Your Home Well Lit: Darkness is a burglar’s best friend.  Keeping the exterior of your home well lit can help in a couple of ways.  It will deter the burglars from attempting to rob your home.  It will also make your home more visable to your neighbors, allowng them to see and report any suspicious activity.

Gift Giving: Safety First!

While shopping for the perfect gifts, keep these safety tips in mind:

1. Toy Safety: For kids’ toys, check age recommendations and avoid small parts for younger children.
2. Online Shopping: Use secure websites for online purchases.  And be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
3. Beware of Holiday Scams: The scammers are out in full force this time of year.  They will try to take advantage of your generosity to make you part with your money.

Holiday Safety Tips Wrap Up

Before we wrap up our holiday safety list, a few last reminders:

• Turn off all holiday lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Keep decorations, especially those with small parts, out of reach of children and pets.

By following these safety tips, you can ensure your holiday season is filled with joy, not hazards. Remember, the best holiday gift you can give your family and yourself is the gift of safety. Happy holidays and stay safe, from all of us at Huff Insurance!