5 Holiday Home Hazards to Look Out For

From stringing up the lights to setting the table to celebrating with loved ones, the holiday season is a bustling time. Between all the festivities, it’s important to be on the lookout for safety risks at home. Here are five holiday home hazards to avoid, from Hippo Home Insurance. 

1. Fire Risks 

The holidays come with an abundance of increased fire risks, but taking proper precautions can mitigate them. Hippo recommends taking the following actions: 

• Avoid overloading outlets. Spread out device usage and use surge protectors if necessary. 
• Decorate carefully. Avoid placing decorations near open flames, such as candles and fireplaces. Candles should be in stable holders on nonflammable surfaces. 
• Check the fire extinguisher. Ensure the pressure gauge is in the green zone and check the manufacturers or expiration date.  
• Inspect the chimney. Contact a professional chimney sweep if needed to remove older creosote buildup (often a tar-like color). 
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Change the batteries if necessary. 
• Examine holiday lights and electronic decorations for frayed wires, broken bulbs and other damage. Replace lights when needed. 

2. Christmas Tree Mishaps 

Christmas trees are a holiday staple in many homes. Keep safe by taking these precautions: 

• Water regularly. Natural trees have limited life spans and dry out over time, making them flammable. Use a water-filled stand and check the water level daily. 
• Consider LED lights. These emit less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs, which also minimizes the risk of fires. 
• Turn off tree lights when not in use. This includes overnight. 

3. Child and Pet Dangers 

The holidays are exciting for children, and it can be fun to include pets in the celebrations, too. It’s important to be vigilant of hazards that put them at risk. 

• Opt for shatter-free ornaments. These are less likely to break and have small, swallowable parts.  
• Use a sturdy tree stand. This helps prevent the tree from toppling over and hurting small children and pets. 
• Place fragile ornaments higher. The top of the tree is best for these, keeping them out of reach of nosy pets and small hands.  
• Keep the poinsettias away. Their red blooms are ideal for Christmastime, but they’re mildly toxic to cats and dogs. 

4. Kitchen Accidents 

For many, this time of year involves cooking big meals and baking lots of sweet treats. Avoid accidents in the kitchen and: 

• Clean cooking vents, exhaust fans, ducts and filters regularly. Hippo recommends doing so every three to six months for light cooking, and every one to three months for heavier cooking.  
• Fry carefully. Outdoor fryers should be placed on stable, flat surfaces, and food should be thawed and dry before immersing it in hot oil. Keep the fryer away from structures and never leave it unattended. 
• Turn pot handles inwards to prevent accidentally knocking them off the stove. 
• Keep the floor dry. Clean spills immediately to prevent slipping and falling. Add slip-resistant mats for added safety.  

5. Home Security Threats 

With people away from their homes and homes full of valuable gifts, this season is a prime time for burglars. Take these precautions to prevent home security threats: 

• Implement security systems. This may include alarms, cameras, motion sensors, automatic locks and detectors.  
• Strengthen entry points. Upgrade locks and deadbolts and reinforce doors and windows.  
• Keep some lights on. Burglars may be deterred by the illusion of an occupied home. Set lights on a timer to activate while away.