From decorations and shopping, to cooking and candles, your home is exposed to more risks around the holidays. Here are some ways to stay safe at home for the holidays:
Decorations
- Only use lights, artificial trees, and other decorations that are labeled fire resistant or flame retardant.
- Avoid hanging ornaments that look like candy or food if children will be around.
- Before hanging lights, be sure to use the appropriate outdoor lights outdoors, and indoor lights indoors.
- Don't use more than three light sets on one extension cord.
- Keep your Christmas tree well-watered so it does not die or dry out and become a fire hazard.
Cooking
- Don't leave cooking food unattended.
- Keep knives sharp to avoid knife injuries.
- Minimize decorations in the kitchen in order to prevent fire hazards.
- Make sure your smoke alarms have new batteries.
- Use the buddy system while cooking in order to help with distractions.
Theft
- Don't share travel plans or big purchases/gifts on social media.
- Keep gifts away from windows and out of view from potential burglars.
- If you'll be away from home for a few days, have your mail held, put lights on a timer, make sure your lawn looks kept, and ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on things.
Shopping
- Only carry your ID and credit card with you.
- If you must carry a purse, use a crossbody bag that can hang in front of you.
- Store gifts in the trunk of your car and make sure they're not visible through windows.
- Stock up beforehand on staples you might need when stores are closed, like batteries, ice, medicine, spices, and paper towels.
Candles
- Keep candles away from trees, decorations, curtains, and other flammable items.
- Never leave lit candles unattended — always extinguish before going to sleep, leaving the room, or leaving the house.
Plants
- Some holiday-specific plants can potentially cause harm to both humans and pets: Poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, amaryllis, lilies, daffodils, cyclamen, Jerusalem cherry, yew, boxwood, pyracantha, Christmas cactus, Christmas trees