Ah, the holidays—a time for twinkling lights, warm cookies, and joyous gatherings. As we transform our homes into festive wonderlands, it’s crucial to still keep safety in mind. After all, we want the season to be filled with merry moments, not unexpected mishaps.
So, what are some home safety tips during the holidays? In this article, we dive into the ways you can secure your home during the rush of the season. This time around, we’re deviating a bit from our usual home-buying guide to talk about the important safety measures you should take in preparation for Christmas. That way, you can fully enjoy the festivities and remain worry-free.
How to Keep Your Home Safe in the Holidays
The excitement of the Christmas season is not only about celebrations, decorations, and shopping for gifts. It’s also about taking extra precautions to keep your house and family safe from accidents, break-ins, or other incidents that can happen.
So, how do you keep your home safe during the holidays? Here are ways to utilize the security features in your house and lot:
1. Sparkle Safely: The Lowdown on Lights
Let’s kick things off with everyone’s favorite holiday dazzlers—lights!
Whether you’re decking out the tree or turning your home into a beacon of holiday cheer, safety is the name of the game. So, opt for LED lights as they’re energy-efficient, emit less heat, and last longer. Check the light box’s labels for safety certifications, and avoid the urge to create an exaggerated light display that can overload outlets. Remember, it’s about creating ambiance, not a mini fireworks show.
2. Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Safety
Regardless of whether your tree is real or artificial, it’s the star of the show. It’s the piece that truly signifies the beginning of the holiday spirit in your homes. So, if you’ve recently just bought your house and lot for OFWs or young professionals, it’s especially important to keep your new house safe from hazards.
With that said, if you’re using real trees, make sure to keep them hydrated to avoid becoming a fire hazard. As for artificial tree enthusiasts, ensure yours is labeled fire-resistant for extra peace of mind.
Secure your tree in a sturdy stand, especially if you have playful pets or mischievous toddlers who might mistake it for a new climbing gym.
3. Fortify Your Fortress: Home Security Magic
With the hustle and bustle of the season, it’s easy to forget about home security.
Always ensure all doors and windows are securely locked, especially if you’re jetting off for a holiday getaway. Smart home security systems are like digital elves, keeping watch over your home. And for that extra layer of magic, let a trusted neighbor or friend know your travel plans—they can collect mail and packages, making it seem like someone’s home, even when you’re not.
One of the advantages of living in a gated community is the added protection and monitoring of your neighborhood’s visitors by assigned neighborhood patrol. In case you’re not home, they can keep watch of your property and keep you informed of any unknown visitors who want to go to your house while you’re away.
4. Cooking Up Safety in the Kitchen (Not Fires)
The kitchen is where the holiday magic happens. It’s where you bake cookies, make the fan-favorite fruit salad, and prepare the Christmas ham and Queso de Bola platter. However, since the kitchen holds different types of ingredients and flammable tools, it can also be a safety hot spot.
So, to keep your kitchen safe, keep flammable items, like kitchen towels, sugars, oils, and other cooking materials away from the stove to avoid any unintentional flambé. And of course, never leave a bubbling pot of holiday goodness unattended—not only will it spill over and burn your food, but other kitchen tools are in danger of catching fire.
Usually, new house and lots (like those in General Trias, Cavite) already have fire security measures in place. But, if you don’t have them in your home, consider installing a smoke detector nearby as your trusty culinary sidekick. This ensures you’re alerted to any culinary escapades gone awry.
5. Childproofing for Little Holiday Explorers
If you have tiny tots running amok, childproofing is your secret safety weapon. Keep those small decorations and ornaments out of reach, preventing your little ones from turning your festive masterpiece into a hazard zone. Make sure to clean up all the scattered papers, glitter, and decorating tools to prevent accidental cuts.
Also, remember to anchor heavy furniture to avoid any of them from toppling over onto your kids. Install safety gates on dangerous points in your homes, especially near the stairs. ‘Tis the season for safety, not stair sledding.
6. Furry Friends Need Safety Too
Our four-legged friends are family, and their safety is just as important. As you prepare your Christmas decorations, beware of toxic holiday plants like poinsettias and mistletoe. These can be hazardous to your pets.
Other than that, remember to pet-proof your decorations. Ensure that the electrical cords are tucked away to prevent curious chewers from getting tangled. And if you’re gifting your pet a holiday treat, double-check that the ingredients are safe for consumption. A few of the dangerous foods or ingredients are avocados, raisins, grapes, citrus, and chocolates.
7. Gift Wrapping: Unwrapping Safety Tips
Now, let’s turn our attention to the art of gift wrapping!
While creating aesthetically pleasing presents is the goal, safety should be part of your masterpiece. Avoid highly flammable materials, and never leave wrapping paper, ribbons, or bows near open flames. Plus, as the unwrapping frenzy on Christmas day ensues, consider recycling or properly disposing of wrapping materials to keep the chaos—and potential hazards—to a minimum.
8. Emergency Preparedness: The Safety Elf in the Room
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about emergency preparedness.
Keep emergency contact numbers, starting from the community guards, police, poison control, and other local emergency services, on speed dial (or at least posted somewhere everyone can see). Have a well-stocked first aid kit at the ready for any minor holiday accidents—especially since most of the people in the house are running around. Know the location of fire extinguishers in your home, and ensure they’re in working order.
A little preparedness can help keep your holidays merry and bright.
As we wrap up this guide on home safety tips for the Christmas season, remember that creating a holiday wonderland is not just about the decorations and parties—it’s also about securing your safety for a worry-free environment. Whether you’ve recently purchased a new house and lot for sale in General Trias, Cavite or you’re a seasoned homeowner, these safety measures are crucial during the rush of the season.
Remember, always being prepared for any kind of incident can save you from the headaches of repairs or even unfortunate hospitalizations because of accidents. You can never be too careful when it concerns your and your family’s safety.
Take these tips for keeping your home safe during the holidays to heart. Cheers to laughter, joy, and a home that’s both festive and secure. Happy holidays and safe decorating!