December 16, 2021
It’s the most wonderful time of the year again! The holiday season is a great time for celebrating and exchanging gifts with family and friends. However, it is important to keep some safety tips in mind, especially if you will be traveling.
Theft and home invasions skyrocket during the holiday season, because burglars know you will be coming home with nice gifts. Consider installing home security devices such as outdoor and indoor cameras and an alarm system. Break down product boxes and keep them out of sight — you don’t want criminals to know about all of your new gifts. Install motion detection lighting around your home’s entry points to scare away burglars.
Porch pirating has become a bigger issue recently, as more holiday shopping is being done online. See our blog post all about porch pirates and how to prevent them from stealing your packages.
Each year, an average of 800 home fires begin with decorations during the holiday season. While decorations may liven the festive spirit, they are potentially holiday hazards. Make sure when purchasing a live tree that it is full and green. Stay away from trees with brown needles, as this signifies that the tree is dry and dying and is much more likely to catch on fire. Keep water in the base of your tree stand, and refill as necessary so the tree does not dry out throughout the season. If you purchase an artificial tree, ensure that it is fire-resistant. Be careful with holiday candles near flammable objects and never leave them unattended.
Hundreds of millions of Americans will travel during the holiday season. If you are traveling to visit family and friends this holiday season, plan far in advance and prepare ahead of time. If you will be traveling a significant distance by car, conduct routine maintenance. Check how much oil and automatic transmission fluid you have, and make sure your tire pressure is correct. Always wear your seat belt and properly secure children and pets while driving. Stay alert, focused, and keep your eyes on the road at all times.
Celebrating the holidays is not as complete without your furry friends. If they join you for your holiday festivities, make sure to keep an eye out for potential dangers. Mistletoe and holly can cause upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, and cardiovascular problems for your pets. Consider using artificial plants or pet-safe plants around your home. Also, keep an eye out if your pet wanders and ingests any harmful food, such as chocolate or other candies.
This summary is for general informational use only and may not include all relevant information.
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