Holiday Safety: Ensuring Your Home is Secure While You’re Away

Key Highlights

• • Deck the halls safely: Water live Christmas trees faithfully, keep them away from heat sources, inspect lights for damage, and be mindful of small parts around small children to ensure holiday safety.

• • Fire safety first: Get your fireplace and heating system checked annually. Use space heaters with caution and be extra vigilant in the kitchen.

• • Secure your home: Lock up tight, use light timers, hold mail and deliveries, and let a neighbor know you’ll be away to ensure holiday safety.

• • Celebrate smart: If you’ll be drinking, plan ahead and ensure you have a sober driver.

• • Call in the experts: For added peace of mind and to prioritize holiday safety, consider a home security assessment from Alcatraz Locksmith to ensure your home is truly secure while you enjoy your holiday travels.

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The holiday season is upon us. Snow might be falling softly outside, the scent of cinnamon and pine fills the air, maybe you hear Nat King Cole crooning about Christmas chestnuts in the background, and you’re excitedly packing for that long-awaited trip to visit family. It’s a truly magical time of year. 

But amidst all the festivities, a little thought might creep in: “Is everything okay back home?” Holiday safety is essential during this busy season, and this year, let the experts at Alcatraz Locksmith help you put those worries to rest.

Before you jet off or hit the road, let’s talk holiday safety tips. We’re not just talking about remembering to lock your doors, though, of course, that’s a must. We’re talking about making sure your home is truly safe and secure, so you can kick back, relax, and soak up every moment of your holiday. When it comes to holiday safety, a healthy dose of caution is key.

Sparkling Lights and Fire Hazards

First things first: let’s talk about that Christmas tree. It’s the centerpiece of holiday cheer, right? Whether you go for a majestic live Christmas tree or a trusty artificial one, there are a few things to keep in mind for holiday safety.

If you opt for a live tree, remember this golden rule: water it religiously. A dry tree is basically kindling, and we definitely don’t want that. Also, think about where you place it. Keep it a safe distance from any heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, or even heat vents.

You might be surprised to learn that, according to the National Fire Protection Association, while uncommon, Christmas tree fires are a real thing. They can be incredibly dangerous, so a little prevention goes a long way.

Now, for those twinkling lights that make everything so festive. Before you deck the halls, inspect those light strands like a hawk. Look for any frayed wires, loose connections, or damaged bulbs.

Don’t overload your electrical outlets by plugging in too many lights or appliances. It’s also a good idea to avoid using indoor lights outside, as they’re not designed for the elements. In the spirit of holiday safety, take a look at your other decorations too. Make sure your ornaments are in good shape.

And speaking of ornaments, if you have small children in the house or visiting, be extra mindful. Those shiny, colorful decorations can look awfully tempting to little hands. Small parts can be serious choking hazards. 

Age guidance exists for a reason, especially with toys like electric scooters. Always pay attention to those labels, and consider placing delicate or potentially dangerous decorations out of reach. Holiday safety is essential, so make sure your festive decorations are not only beautiful but safe for everyone in your home.

Cozy Nights and Fire Safety: Mind Your Sources of Heat

While cozy nights in front of the fire are the best part of the holidays, we don’t want those nights to become cautionary tales. Sadly, ‘home fires’ spike during the holiday season. This is where holiday safety becomes a priority.

If you have a fireplace, get it inspected and cleaned yearly. Your best allies to prevent home fires are a clean chimney and a well-maintained furnace. Your heating system is the same. Regular maintenance is key.

Using space heaters? Give those things some space! Leave them at least three feet away from anything flammable like your curtains, furniture, or even your Christmas tree. Never leave a space heater unattended. Incorporating holiday safety tips into your routine is crucial during this time of year.

A lot of accidents happen in the kitchen, and it’s also where all of the holiday gatherings usually take place. When you’re cooking up a holiday feast, it’s easy to get distracted. Make sure that you turn off the stove and the oven after cooking. Aside from that, deal with those leftovers quickly. Store them in the refrigerator once they cool completely. This helps ensure your holiday safety while you enjoy your festivities.

Locking Up and Lighting Up

This is something obvious, all right, and you tend to forget the basics when you are in the midst of pre-trip preparations. However, holiday safety should always be top of mind. There is one thing you should do before you leave your home, and that is to do a thorough walk-through of your home. You need to make sure that every door and window is absolutely locked. For that matter, it may be worth calling Alcatraz Locksmith to have them come in and see if your door or window locks have any flaws.

A well-lit home is a good deterrent to burglars. Make use of timers to turn on and off lights at different times, simulating your usual routine. Also, a good idea is to hold your mail and newspaper delivery. A pile of mail and newspapers is basically a flashing sign that says: ‘Nobody’s home!’ So if you, like a lot of people, have done a lot of online shopping leading up to the holidays, and are waiting on lots of packages, this is especially true.

When considering holiday safety, don’t forget about your neighbors! Notify a trusted neighbor that you’ll be away. They can watch your house, and maybe even pick up any packages that slip by.

Enjoy the Festivities Responsibly

Finally, let’s not forget that the holidays are a time of year for celebration, for clinking glasses and sharing laughter with loved ones. But amidst all the merriment, please celebrate responsibly. If your festivities involve alcohol, make absolutely sure you have a sober driver lined up, whether that’s a designated friend, a taxi, or a rideshare service. 

It’s a simple decision that can make all the difference. It’s not just about your own safety; it’s about the safety of everyone sharing the road, and ensuring that everyone gets to enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season. Remember, holiday safety is crucial to keeping the good times going. It’s about making sure the good times don’t turn into tragedy. There’s nothing more festive than making it to New Year’s in one piece!

Your Holiday, Worry-Free

The holiday season should be a time for joy, relaxation, and making memories. By taking a few simple safety tips to heart when it comes to your holiday decorations, sources of heat, and home security, you can ensure that your home is safe and secure while you’re away.

Ready to take the next step in securing your home for the holidays? Contact Alcatraz Locksmith today for a free security assessment. We’ll help you identify any vulnerabilities and recommend solutions to keep your home safe and sound while you’re away. Don’t forget about holiday safety—let us ensure you’re prepared for a worry-free season. Let us help you make this holiday season the most relaxing one yet! You’ve earned it.