Holiday Home Safety Tips

Rockin’ around the Christmas tree
At the Christmas party hop
Mistletoe hung where you can see
Every couple tries to stop
Rockin’ around the Christmas tree
Let the Christmas spirit ring
Later we’ll have some pumpkin pie
And we’ll do some caroling…

This song always reminds me of my favorite scene from Home Alone where Kevin McCallister sets up a dance party in his living room using an array of cardboard cut-outs and mannequins. But if you look closer at the lyrics, warning signs of holiday danger are lurking. Is the Christmas tree too dry? Fire hazard! What about your Great Aunt Sally who sneaks bites of pumpkin pie to the baby? Hold off if you have a family history of egg or milk allergies and your baby’s under a year old. Are there carolers in your neighborhood? Don’t forget to throw ice melt on your driveway and stairs so no one slips. The holidays may be the most wonderful time of the year, but how can you ensure that your family stays safe during all the celebrating? Check out these common safety issues!

Tree Safety

Keep real trees watered often: If you prefer a real tree over an artificial one, be sure to keep it watered daily. A dry tree can be a fire danger. The National Fire Protection Association reports that between 2012-2016, U.S. fire departments responded to an average 170 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year.

Keep your Christmas tree away from fireplaces, candles and heaters:
The NFPA also tells us that in one-quarter (27%) of the Christmas tree fires, some type of heat source, such as a candle or equipment, was too close to the tree. Don’t forget to check your smoke detectors, too!

Lighting Safety

Avoid overloading outlets: Always test and check your lights each year. Extension cords or outlets with too many plugs can overheat, so resist lighting up your house like the Griswold family in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. I know I’m guilty of leaving my tree lights on overnight; however, unplugging lights before bed or leaving the house reduces the risk of fire.

Check lead warnings on strings of lights:
Did you know that certain brands of Christmas lights actually contain unsafe levels of lead? Before you’re tempted to stage a Pinterest-worthy photo shoot with your baby wrapped in a string of lights, read your labels very carefully. One study published by CNN found that four common brands of lights contained unsafe levels of lead. Wear gloves and wash hands when decorating or consider purchasing lead-free lights.

Security

Utilize security systems: We recently installed a Ring Doorbell and I wonder how I lived without it! I love that my home can be more secure for a small monthly cost. While the Ring Doorbell doesn’t take the place of our other home security system, it’s super convenient to view any activity in front of our home even while we’re away. Utilize security systems during travel, holiday shopping or if you’re expecting a large item to arrive.

Packages placed out of sight: Has Amazon been making frequent deliveries to your doorstep? Track your packages using the tracking link provided by most carriers to avoid leaving gifts and goodies vulnerable. Many carriers use email or text alerts enabling you to see exactly when your delivery will arrive. If you’ll be away from home during delivery, consider asking a friend or neighbor to grab the item or having it delivered to your workplace. Amazon’s Key Smart Lock Kit allows Prime members to have free in-home delivery where the package is delivered securely inside your home. You can even view the delivery live through the app. It’s compatible with the Ring Video Doorbell and works with Alexa.

Keep garage doors closed: We struggle at our house to remember to keep our garage closed. I’m guessing this is a common problem for other families with multiple trips to work, school and sports activities. Waking up and realizing the garage was left open all night is panic-inducing (personal experience talking here!). Keep your home secure by checking your garage doors each night; otherwise, you may be risking items stolen from your vehicle or even a home invasion if you have an interior door that opens to your garage.

Avoid posting travel plans on social media: I know you want to post those vacation pics of you and your kids while you’re hitting the slopes over winter break. And that In-N-Out burger you got on the way to the airport looks too good not to post on Instagram! But each time you post about your travel plans, your day at the beach or the tourist spots you plan to visit next week, you could be increasing your chance of a home break-in. Wait until you return home to post about your trip and avoid “checking in” on social media while vacationing.

Kids

Use caution when feeding beginning eaters: With many new foods and treats in your kitchen and the possibility of relatives feeding your child unfamiliar foods, take care when introducing holiday foods to young children. Finely chop, mash or puree and cut foods into small pieces to avoid choking risks. Ask relatives not to feed your child without checking with you first. This is especially important if you live in a home with food allergies or young children.

Examine toys for small pieces or button batteries: Beware of small parts, marbles, balls and button batteries after Santa’s visit! Safety 1st offers a small object choking tester, allowing you to test small toys and parts for choking risks. If you have children of various ages, this can be a useful tool for showing older children the importance of picking up toys around babies and toddlers.

Teach your children they are allowed to set boundaries on physical affection: The holidays often mean large family parties and gatherings; your child may feel intimidated or uncomfortable being exposed to many new, unfamiliar faces. Forcing your child to hug or kiss someone disregards that child’s comfort zone. These are such important conversations to tackle! By forcing the child to give or receive affection when reluctant, you’re not allowing the child to have control over his or her own body. Check out Erin’s post about the “rude” behavior she encourages in her children.