The holiday season is a festive time of year filled with decorations and visits to family and friends. However, there are a few precautions that homeowners would be wise to take as they string their lights and ready their homes for both the holidays and vacation. Below are four tips for a safe and happy holiday season:
1. Turn Strings of Lights Off at Night
Not only is it more expensive to leave your Christmas lights on at night, but it is also may be dangerous. Strings of Christmas lights can short at any time and start a fire. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, December is the deadliest month for electrical fires. This holiday season, enjoy the festive beauty of your Christmas lights, but be weary of keeping them on while you are sleeping.
2. Buy a Fresh Tree
Purchasing a fresh tree this season is not only the prettier option, it’s the safer one as fresh trees are much more resistant to ignition. However, many homeowners do choose to go the artificial route. If you are purchasing an artificial tree, first ensure that it has the “fire resistant” label on it.
3. Avoid Overburdening Electrical Sockets
With the addition of Christmas lights, extra kitchen appliances and a bunch of new gadgets entering your house, homeowners tend to overburden their electrical sockets. You should never plug in more than one extension cord or power-strip per socket as you are increasing your odds for fire. If the power strip is hot or you start to smell a weird odor around the outlet, turn all electronics off and cut back on the outlet’s usage.
4. Prepare Your Home for a Vacation
As is the case every year, many homeowners visit loved ones or go on vacation during the holidays. Burglars are aware of this so start by asking a neighbor to check in once and awhile. Very importantly, pause your mail and newspaper. If these start to stack up on your yard or mailbox, you are essentially broadcasting your vacancy for the holidays.
A safe and happy holiday is the best gift anyone can wish for during this wonderful season!
