It’s time to decorate for those that celebrate! Holiday decorating adds a lot to our homes and brightens the dark nights. Between travel and all these new elements in our home we want to be sure we are taking precautions to keep everyone safe. This will help to avoid fires, injury, or further damage. Below we’ve included tips to help keep you safe!
Décor Tips:
The National Safety Council has a lot of great ideas on how to stay safe this season. Check out some of their tips!
Electrical Tips:
- Check lights before using. This will ensure there’s no broken bulbs or frayed wires, while also letting you know if they still work before you wrap them around your tree.
- Use smart plugs or timers to make for easy automated shut off or have the ability to turn off lights you left on accidentally.
- Be careful not to overload light strings or outlets. Don’t use extension cords with space heaters.
- Keep outlets and plugs far and away from your tree base if you have a real tree to keep away from water.
Natural Décor Tips:
- Be wary of poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly as they are poisonous to dogs, cats, and/or harmful to babies. Avoid them in your home or keep them secured out of reach or in an unvisited part of your homes’ exterior.
- Keep your tree watered and away from fireplaces and radiators.
Candle Tips:
- Make sure candles are secure and fit will in their containers.
- Don’t mix loose candles with flammable décor. Use tea lights or votives in holders that are larger than the candle to protect your home from fire.
- Try flameless candles!
Kitchen Safety:
- Keep timers running. maybe even two! Entertaining can distract from the oven and things you have cooking. Be sure not to get distracted.
- Be mindful of pressure cookers and air fryers in holiday prep. Be careful not to multi-task cooking with these items unless you have an additional adult to help.
- Keep an eye on mulling spices / potpourri that you boil for the scent. Lower the heat to low after you get a simmer going and keep ample water in the pot to avoid burning.
We hope this can serve as a quick checklist for your home and helps you make adjustments as needed for your and your families’ safety. Protecting your home and the people in it is the most important. Check out our post for holiday décor ideas that are simple and safe!
