As the holiday season approaches, it’s essential to ensure your home is as safe as it is festive. On December 13, 2024, Cpl. Doug Barrett, Fire Prevention Officer Art Williams, and Firefighter Stephanie Henderson joined Andreas Mantas, Jillian McNamee, and Jeff Cronk from CURO Claims Services to discuss key property safety tips for the holidays.
Here’s what they recommend:
Fire Safety Starts at Home
Wood Stove Precautions: Always dispose of wood ash safely. Never put hot ash into compost, as this poses a significant fire risk. For more tips, check out our guide on wood stove and fireplace safety.
Kitchen Safety: Stay alert while cooking. Unattended stovetops and ovens are leading causes of house fires during the holidays.
Smoke Alarms: Test your fire alarm to ensure it’s operational. If you’re a tenant, verify that alarms in your apartment building are functioning.
Space Heater Guidelines: Never use a power bar to plug in a space heater. Always plug it directly into a wall outlet to prevent overheating.
Fire Extinguishers: Keep a fire extinguisher readily accessible in high-risk areas, such as the kitchen and near fireplaces.
Additional Safety Tips
Inspect Holiday Lights: Before decorating, check all light strands for frayed wires or broken bulbs. Replace any damaged items.
Avoid Overloading Outlets: Overloaded circuits can overheat and cause electrical fires. Spread out your decorations across different outlets.
Secure Christmas Trees: Keep real trees hydrated and away from heat sources. A dry tree can catch fire in seconds.
Lock Doors and Windows: With increased holiday travel, ensure your home is secure from potential break-ins.
Use Timers for Lights: Timers can give the appearance of someone being home, deterring burglars.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it’s also a time to stay vigilant about safety. By following these tips, you can help ensure your home remains a safe haven for family and friends. Whether it’s checking your smoke alarms or practicing fire safety in the kitchen, small actions can prevent significant risks.
Stay safe and enjoy a worry-free holiday season from all of us at Higgins Insurance!