Holiday Preparations: Ensuring Safety Amid the Festivities
The festive season is knocking at our doors. While it’s a time filled with joy, camaraderie, and celebrations, it also comes with its own set of risks for our homes. But fear not, with some forethought and attentiveness, you can make sure the festivities remain joyous. Here are some safety tips to consider:
1. Decorate Wisely: Go for decorations that are non-combustible or flame-resistant. If you’re choosing an artificial tree, pick one that comes with UL-certified lights. For natural trees, always keep them hydrated.
2. Candle Safety: The top days for home candle fires include Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Keep candles a foot away from flammable items, and ensure they (along with matches) are inaccessible to kids and pets. Always extinguish candles before leaving a room or going to sleep.
3. Tree Placement: While a tree near a fireplace may look picturesque, it’s a hazard. Keep trees away from fireplaces and other heat sources. Did you know that Christmas trees are responsible for around 200 home fires every year in the U.S.?
4. Secure your Home: The holiday season can attract unwanted visitors. Keep windows and doors locked, garages shut, and stay vigilant of unfamiliar faces in your area.
5. Guard Your Pipes: Rapid temperature drops and low thermostat settings can lead to frozen pipes. Insulate pipes, especially in crawl spaces and attics, to prevent unexpected issues.
6. Shop Carefully: Whether in-store or online, prioritize your security. Keep essential items like wallets and phones safely stored and share credit card details only on reputable websites.
7. Fireplace Maintenance: Both wood-burning and gas fireplaces can be hazardous if not maintained. Ensure they’re cleaned and inspected regularly.
8. Kitchen Vigilance: The holiday cooking frenzy increases the risk of kitchen fires. Always supervise active stovetops and ovens.
9. Electrical Precautions: Distribute your Christmas lights across multiple circuits to avoid overloading any one of them. Use robust, grounded extension cords and ensure your circuit breakers are current (especially if you’ve heard of the Stab-Lok issue!).
About Stab-Lok: Stab-Lok circuit breakers, used in properties between 1950 and 1985, were designed to safeguard buildings from electrical fires. However, some of these breakers have been found to be faulty and could get jammed. If you have Stab-Lok breakers, consider upgrading to a newer system. For any queries, reach out to your local Bolder Insurance Advisor.
10. Pet Considerations: The festivities can be overwhelming for your furry friends too. Keep them calm, especially around unfamiliar guests, to avoid mishaps.
Heed these guidelines and you’re set for a safe, delightful holiday season.