The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration. As we deck the halls and gather with loved ones, remember to think about safety to ensure a merry and accident-free holiday. Here are some household safety tips:
1. Decorations: Festive decorations add charm to your home, but it's important to remember safety while adorning your space. Secure decorations properly to avoid tripping hazards and opt for flame-resistant materials to reduce fire risks. Keep ornaments and small decorations out of reach of pets and small children to prevent choking hazards.
2. Electrical Safety: With the many twinkling lights and electronic decorations we have, it's critical to practice electrical safety. Inspect all lights and cords for damage before use and avoid overloading electrical outlets. Damaged cords or light strings should not be used. Most can be taken to recycling outlets for disposal. Turn off decorative lights when leaving the house or going to bed to prevent potential fire hazards.
3. Fire Safety: Christmas candles and fireplaces add warmth to the season, but they also pose fire risks. Keep candles in sturdy holders, away from flammable materials, and never leave them unattended. Ensure that your fireplace is properly maintained and use a screen to prevent embers from escaping. Have your fireplace cleaned and inspected by a qualified Wood Energy Transfer Technologist (WETT) on a regular basis (normally about once per year).
4. Tree Safety: If you have a live Christmas tree, keep it well-watered to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Make sure that the tree is securely placed in a sturdy stand to prevent it from tipping over. If you opt for an artificial tree, check for flame-resistant labels.
5. Gift Wrapping Safety: As the presents start piling up, be mindful of safe gift wrapping practices. Avoid using metallic wrapping paper near electrical outlets, and be cautious with ribbon and bows, as they can pose choking hazards for pets and small children.
6. Food Safety: Festive feasts are a highlight of Christmas. Practice proper food handling and storage, and be mindful of guests with allergies. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold to prevent bacterial growth.
7. When something does go wrong: While no one wants to think about problems during the holidays, it's wise to be prepared. Have a first aid kit on hand, and make sure all family members know how to use it. Additionally, keep emergency contact numbers readily available.
Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!
From Gold Star Home Inspections-Serving the Greater Victoria Area and Southern Gulf Islands
Image by user25122569 on Freepik
