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Holiday Safety Tips: Keep Your Home Safe This Season

11/19/2024 (Permalink)

The holidays are a time for celebration, family gatherings, and creating lasting memories. But with the festivities come potential risks that can turn a joyful season into a stressful one. At SERVPRO of New Hyde Park/Mineola, we want to help you enjoy the holidays safely. Follow these tips to protect your home and loved ones this season.

Fire Safety During the Holidays

With decorative lights, candles, and fireplaces in use, fire hazards increase during the holidays.

  1. Inspect Holiday Lights:

    • Check for frayed wires, broken sockets, or loose connections before use.
    • Avoid overloading electrical outlets and use surge protectors.

  2. Be Cautious with Candles:

    • Place candles on stable, heat-resistant surfaces and away from flammable materials like curtains or holiday decorations.
    • Never leave candles unattended; consider using flameless LED candles for added safety.

  3. Practice Fireplace Safety:

    • Have your chimney cleaned and inspected annually.
    • Use a fire screen to prevent sparks from escaping.
    • Never burn wrapping paper or Christmas tree branches—they can create intense, fast-burning flames.

Holiday Cooking Precautions

The kitchen is a busy place during the holidays, and with it comes an increased risk of cooking fires.

  • Stay Focused on Cooking: Never leave the stove unattended when cooking.
  • Keep Flammable Items Away: Ensure oven mitts, dish towels, and other items are kept away from burners.
  • Have a Fire Extinguisher Nearby: Make sure it’s easily accessible and designed for kitchen use.

Safe Decorating Tips

Decking the halls can be fun, but safety should always come first.

  • Secure Your Christmas Tree:
    • Keep real trees watered to prevent them from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
    • Place your tree at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, heaters, or radiators.
  • Ladder Safety:
    • When hanging lights, use a sturdy ladder and have someone hold it steady.
    • Avoid decorating in bad weather or at night when visibility is poor.

Prevent Water Damage

Cold temperatures can lead to frozen pipes, which can burst and cause significant water damage.

  • Insulate Pipes: Wrap exposed pipes in unheated areas, like basements or attics, with insulation.
  • Let Faucets Drip: On especially cold nights, leave faucets on a slow drip to prevent freezing.
  • Know How to Shut Off Water: Familiarize yourself with your home’s water shut-off valve in case of an emergency.

Keep Your Home Safe While Traveling

If you’re leaving for the holidays, take these steps to secure your home:

  • Set timers for lights to give the appearance of someone being home.
  • Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check on your house.
  • Turn off unnecessary appliances and unplug decorations.

SERVPRO® is Here to Help®

Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. If fire, water, or mold damage disrupts your holiday season, SERVPRO of New Hyde Park/Mineola is available 24/7 to assist with cleanup and restoration.