The holidays bring a certain image to mind. It probably involves eggnog and presents and enjoying a few delicious baked goods. However, there is one essential component to the holidays that could be easy to overlook even though it is arguably the most important: safety. Are you curious about how to prioritize that without ruining the holiday vibe? It isn’t as hard as you might think!
Let’s look at some of the most basic components of a happy and safe holiday.
Pay attention to your decor’s instructions
Most of us are guilty of throwing away the instructions and guidance for our various types of decorations. After all, they’re just decorations, right? However, you’ll want to think a little more carefully about that. Whether you are decorating using string lights, garland, or tinsel, those instructions will help you know where to put them. Or, more importantly, where to not put them.
You’ll learn about things like the clearance needed between your stockings and the fireplace (or other heating source). You’ll also learn about important details for light safety, such as how not to overload your electrical outlets. Some tree ornaments might be safer for kids than others due to breaking hazards, etc. What about those pets that like to hid under the tree? There’s lots to think about!
Prioritize tree care
If you have a tree in your home, especially a live one, then caring for it properly is going to be a huge component of holiday safety. Make sure you keep it watered so that it doesn’t dry out prematurely and transform itself into a fire hazard. You’ll also want to learn about which lights are safest for your tree, especially when it comes to the heat that they put out.
Of course, you’ll also need to learn about how to place your tree so that it isn’t too close to a heating source, a stairway, or a doorway to prevent fires and tripping hazards, respectively. Again, remember your pets may find an extra hiding place in or under your tree, so keep this in mind.
Think of the children
In this sense, we don’t mean to think of what the children want most for Christmas. We urge you to think about the little ones as far as how easily they can injure themselves by pulling down your Christmas tree, tripping over decorations you’ve placed on stair landings, and so on. If you have young ones running around your home (especially if they are fuelled by sugar cookies), then you’ll need to take a few extra steps so that they remain safe.
Don’t forget to incorporate a bit of food safety into that, as well. Have a list of food intolerances and food allergies so that everyone invited to your holiday events can enjoy themselves without worrying about a possible reaction and a trip to the hospital.
All it takes is a little extra planning to help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home from a possible holiday disaster. With this in mind, you have all that you need to help you really get the most festivity possible out of the holidays. All that’s left now is to add some of your very own holiday cheer and settle in to enjoy yourself!
Enjoy your holiday with family and friends and let us know how we can help you protect your loved ones and your assets all year round. We offer a full line of personal insurance coverages. Contact us at (281) 488-8880 today.