The holidays bring about many marvelous opportunities to share good times with our loved ones and friends. But with all the excitement, there are countless situations that could spoil your holiday cheer. It is extra important to keep safety a top priority during the holiday season, so we’ve pulled together a list of tips to help give you and your family the priceless gift of safety:
TIP #1:
Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires and fire deaths, especially during winter months, according to the NFPA. Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including paper, clothing, and rugs. Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet as extension cords and power strips can overheat and start fires. If you have a fireplace, be sure the flue is open before starting a fire, and keep anything flammable, like furniture, rugs, blankets, and paper away from the fireplace. Be sure to have your chimney inspected annually by a professional.
TIP #2:
In the excitement of entertaining, it can be easy to forget something in the oven and leave it to burn. This is a potential fire hazard. Use a timer or your phone to keep track of the time and act as a good reminder of your goods in the oven. Never leave your range or cooktop unattended while cooking and always have a fire extinguisher readily available.
TIP #3:
The holidays typically mean spending time with friends and family, and that can mean traveling in the snow to get there. Long drives can be tough. Stay focused and keep your passengers and the other cars on the road safer by avoiding distractions like texting, changing the music, or eating. If you feel yourself getting tired at the wheel, switch with another driver or pull over and rest.
TIP #4:
Decorating your home can be one of the best parts of the holidays. Don’t overload your sockets by plugging too many cords into a single outlet. Around 50% of all home electrical fires have been caused by electrical distribution or lighting equipment.
TIP #5:
Traveling this time of year can be exceptionally stressful — don’t add your home to the list of things to worry about. Make sure to set your heat to the appropriate temperature to keep your pipes from freezing while you’re gone. If you’re going away for an extended period of time, have a neighbor get your mail and set your lights to turn on at regular times using a timer, so burglars don’t know you’re away.
TIP #6: When it comes to holiday hosting, you can never avoid stress completely, but you can give yourself some relief. Provide your guests with food and water to help offset the impairing effects of alcohol. Make sure that guests who are drinking have a designated driver or a safe way home.
Despite our best efforts, accidents can and will happen during the holidays. Follow these tips to keep your family and home safe. If you have more questions about how to protect your home and loved ones, a Cushman Insurance Group agent is here to help. Contact your Cushman Insurance agent today via our website or by calling (508) 586-5310 to make sure you’re covered this holiday season.
Comments