My quintessential holiday moment is when the family finally gets to sit down together to share stories around the fireplace. But for many of us, getting to that peaceful stage involves a lot of frenzy — and that often comes with holiday safety mistakes. For example, nearly a third of all home fires happen over the winter holidays, along with around 160 decorating-related injuries every day in the US.
“The dangerous holiday phrase that I warn families about repeatedly is, ‘It’ll only take a minute,'” says home safety expert Daniel Kilburn. “That brief moment creates destructive fires, accidents and emotional distress. But being prepared does not equal being paranoid. Your ability to plan ahead will protect what matters most.”
Here are some tips on how to avoid common holiday safety mistakes and help you create a comfortable and serene holiday season.
Hang Lights in Dry Weather
A major holiday safety mistake is hanging holiday lights and other outdoor decorations while the roof is slippery. Instead, tackle this task before winter weather hits.”Even if it feels too early to have your lights up, remember that you don’t have to turn them on until later, and you don’t want to miss the window of opportunity to get the task done safely,” says roofer Andre Kazimierski.
Use Multiple Electrical Outlets
Overloaded outlets, including power strips, are a leading cause of holiday fires. Drawing too much power overheats wires, so spread out your devices and lights between multiple outlets. Also, plug decorations directly into wall sockets, use surge protectors with safety certifications and unplug lights at bedtime and before leaving the home. “A cord that feels warm in your hand indicates you are already at risk of electrical danger,” says Kilburn.
Beware of Extension Cords
Use outdoor-rated extension cords that have a large enough gauge for the amperage you’re asking them to carry. Avoid daisy-chaining several cords together, plugging into non-GFCI outlets or looping cords too tightly. Also, “Take a look at what else is on the same circuit as your lights,” says electrical expert Daniel Mock. “Plugging your decorations into the same circuit as a garage refrigerator or freezer could overload it.” The same goes for other large-draw appliances like heaters and microwaves.
Prevent Burglaries with Security Systems
“Valuable gifts are a prize for burglars, and the holidays are filled with them,” says home insurance expert Courtney Klosterman. Add to that, families traveling and leaving homes vacant, and it’s no surprise that break-ins increase around the winter holidays. To minimize risk, Klosterman recommends implementing a monitored home security system, upgrading to smart locks and installing light timers to make it look like you’re home, even when you’re away.
Thwart Package Thieves with Lock Boxes
Another overlooked holiday home safety risk is leaving delivered packages in plain sight. As online shopping surges, thieves ramp up their porch piracy. “Package theft happens fast, and most people don’t realize they’re at risk until it’s too late,” says Rod Sides, of Loxx Boxx. “By the time security camera footage is reviewed, the package is gone.” Consider a lock box to physically secure deliveries, plus bring packages inside promptly, so they’re not in sight of possible burglars.
Monitor the Kitchen
Kitchen mishaps are common around the holidays, since we’re cooking more than normal, plus often distracted by socializing and drinking. Don’t leave stoves unattended. Keep a pot lid and fire extinguisher ready to suppress flames, and use outdoor fryers for deep-frying. “Also, create a safe three-foot no-kid zone around your stove, and appoint a kitchen captain, one person to monitor the room while others enjoy themselves during celebrations,” says Kilburn.
Clean the Chimney and Vents
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, wood stove or pellet stove, have a professional chimney sweep clean out the creosote buildup once a year, to prevent chimney fires. “These fires can spread downwards into the home in a matter of seconds,” says Klosterman. Also, clean your cooking vents, exhaust fans, ducts and filters every few months, and dispose of ashes into a covered metal container, stored safely away from structures.
Isolate Flammable Decorations
Another common fire risk comes from placing flammable decorations, like dried foliage and Christmas trees, close to candles, fireplaces and space heaters. Keep flames a safe distance from anything that could catch fire, or opt for non-combustible decorations and battery/solar-operated candles. Also, beware of crafts that combine glue guns with flammables. “A metal baking sheet as a base serves as an effective protective barrier against sparks when creating crafts,” says Kilburn.
Keep the Christmas Tree Moist
Christmas trees are obvious fire hazards. “They can burn down quickly, like paper, consuming an entire room in less than 30 seconds,” says Kilburn. Keeping the tree from drying out is a key step toward mitigating this risk. First, cut an inch or two off the bottom when you bring it home, so it can better absorb water. Then, water it daily, decorate it with LED lights (which don’t produce much heat) and keep it at least three feet away from heaters and fireplaces.
Don’t Cut Corners Hanging Decorations
Falling decorations cause injuries, so fasten them securely with hangers rated for their weight. To prevent tripping hazards, keep cords tidy using cable clips, tape or cord channels (plastic or rubber covers). Splurge on a sturdy tree stand, and anchor the tree to a ceiling beam or wall with fishing line, so it can’t tip over. Also, “Keep fragile ornaments and decorations higher up on the tree, out of reach of small hands and paws,” says Klosterman.
De-Ice Sidewalks and Driveways
Slip-and-fall accidents are a concern in places with snowy winters, especially when we’re out and about more during the holidays. “Walkways become treacherous due to snow and ice accumulation, and slippery surfaces are common causes of injuries,” says Klosterman. To reduce the risk, promptly clear snow and ice from walkways and driveways and use salt or sand to reduce slipperiness and ensure safe passage for your family and guests.
Stay Present, Especially While Driving
It’s not just snow and ice that can make roads unsafe. “People rush through their holiday tasks of decorating and driving, which results in accidents and driver fatigue,” says Kilburn. Indeed, the National Safety Council reports an uptick in serious car crashes during the holidays. So, try to keep attentive and calm on the road, practice defensive driving, designate a sober driver and be well-rested before starting a long trip.
About the Experts
- Daniel Kilburn is a disaster preparedness specialist, retired US Army Senior Infantry Drill Sergeant, author, creator of the Holiday House Fire Prevention series and founder of Emergency Action Planning LLC. He now uses his four decades of life-safety experience to teach families and organizations about emergency preparedness.
- Courtney Klosterman is a home insights expert at Hippo home insurance, where she’s worked for six years. Hippo is an insurance group based in San Jose, California, focused on proactive protection.
- Daniel Mock is vice president of operations at Mister Sparky, a nationwide franchise network of residential electrical service contractors, where he’s worked for six years.
- Andre Kazimierski is co-owner and president at HomeHero Roofing, a residential roofing company in Downers Grove, Illinois. He has been working in the home improvement industry since 2009.
- Rod Sides is COO and co-founder of Loxx Boxx, a secure, anchored residential parcel protection system. He has more than 30 years of experience advising top retailers on logistics and customer protection, and now brings that expertise to the consumer space, especially around the issue of package theft during the holidays.
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