10 Holiday Precautions to Ensure a Safe and Fun Holiday Season.

The holidays are a time for joy, family gatherings, and festive décor—but they can also bring unexpected accidents if we’re not careful. To keep the season merry and bright, here are 10 precautions every homeowner should take:

1. Candle and Open Flame Safety:
Candles create a cozy atmosphere, but they’re also a leading cause of house fires during the holidays. Keep candles away from flammable materials, and never leave them unattended. Consider switching to flameless LED candles for a safer option.

2. Inspect Holiday Lights:
Before hanging your lights, check for frayed wires, broken bulbs, or damaged plugs. Faulty lights can spark fires or cause shocks. Replace worn-out lights and use only UL-certified products.

3. Keep Your Christmas Tree Hydrated:
If you have a real tree, make sure it stays watered. A dry tree can catch fire quickly, especially when surrounded by lights and heat sources. Position your tree away from fireplaces, radiators, and space heaters.

4. Space Heater & Fireplace Safety:
Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from flammable objects like furniture, curtains, and bedding. For fireplaces, ensure chimneys are clean, use a screen to contain sparks, and never leave a fire unattended.

5. Kitchen Safety While Cooking:
Cooking large holiday meals can be chaotic. Avoid distractions while using the stove or oven. Keep flammable items away from burners, and have a fire extinguisher accessible in the kitchen.

6. Manage Cords to Avoid Tripping Hazards:
Holiday decorations often mean more extension cords around the house. Secure cords along walls and out of walkways to prevent trips and falls, especially if children or elderly guests are visiting.

7. Keep Ornaments Safe from Kids and Pets:
Fragile glass ornaments can pose risks. Hang breakable decorations higher on the tree and consider using plastic alternatives to prevent accidents with curious pets and children.

8. Test Smoke Detectors:
Ensure smoke detectors are functioning and replace batteries if necessary. With candles, lights, and fireplaces in heavy use, smoke alarms are essential for early fire detection.

9. Avoid Overloading Electrical Outlets:
Plugging too many decorations into a single outlet increases the risk of electrical fires. Use power strips with surge protection and distribute decorations across multiple outlets.

10. Secure Your Home When Traveling:
If you’re traveling for the holidays, secure doors and windows, and consider using timers for lights to make your home appear occupied. Let a trusted neighbor know your plans for added peace of mind.

The Bottom Line:
A little caution goes a long way to keep your holidays safe and stress-free. At Crystal Restorations of New England, we understand how accidents can happen, but we’re here to help restore your home when the unexpected strikes.

From our family to yours—have a fun, safe, and joyful holiday season!