The holiday season is a time for celebration, joy, and memories with loved ones. However, it also brings an increased risk of accidents and safety concerns. From fire hazards to potential break-ins, it’s important to take extra precautions to ensure your home stays safe throughout the festivities. Below are some essential holiday safety tips to help protect your home and family:
1. Choose a Fresh Christmas Tree
When selecting your tree, opt for a fresh one. Fresh trees have vibrant green needles less likely to shed and break easily. A dry, cheaper tree will drop needles quickly, posing a fire risk. Ensure the tree is watered regularly to keep it hydrated, which helps maintain its health and reduce fire hazards.
2. Keep Your Tree Away from Heat Sources
Place your tree far from fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, and light bulbs to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire risk. Even the low-voltage string lights on your tree can be a potential danger if they come in contact with dry branches or decorations. Always inspect your lights before decorating, checking for exposed wires or broken bulbs.
3. Don’t Overload Power Strips
When decorating your tree with lights, ensure you don’t overload power strips. Never plug more than three strings of lights into one outlet, and keep cords neatly fastened along walls to avoid tripping. Never place cords under rugs, as this can lead to overheating and fires.
4. Lock Away Gifts and Valuables
After the excitement of opening presents, it’s important to secure valuable items. Don’t leave gifts, cash, or electronics visible under the tree. Consider locking them in a safe place like your car’s trunk or a hidden area in your home. Burglars often target homes with visible signs of high-value gifts, so it’s better to keep them out of sight.
5. Install Deadbolts and Reinforce Sliding Doors
Installing deadbolts on your doors adds an extra layer of security and is an inexpensive way to prevent break-ins. For sliding doors, consider adding a metal or wooden rod to block the door from being easily opened. This added reinforcement can help secure your home if the lock is compromised.
6. Secure Your Home While Traveling
If you’re heading out of town for the holidays, let neighbors know your travel plans and ask them to keep an eye on your property. Use timers to turn lights on and off at random intervals to make it appear as if someone is home. For more advanced protection, consider using a smart home security system that can be controlled via an app, keeping you connected to your home no matter where you are.
7. Protect Your Home with Insurance
Before the holidays are in full swing, take the time to review your home insurance policy. Your coverage needs may have changed over the years, and it’s always a good idea to discuss your current needs with your insurance agent. If you’ve installed a security system, notify your agent—this may lower your home insurance premium.
8. Post-Holiday Insurance Review
After the holidays, review your policy to ensure that all the new gifts and valuable items received are covered. Whether it’s a new gadget, electronics, or expensive jewelry, make sure your home insurance covers them adequately. Your independent insurance agent can help you with this review and let you know if you need additional coverage.
By taking these simple steps, you can protect your home, your loved ones, and your belongings during the busy holiday season. From choosing a fresh tree to securing valuables and reviewing your insurance coverage, these tips help reduce risks and provide peace of mind. At Petruzelo Insurance, we’re here to ensure you have the coverage you need to stay protected, so contact us today to review your policy and make sure you’re ready for a safe and joyful holiday season.