Did you know Thanksgiving is considered the most dangerous holiday? That’s mostly due to the number of cars on the road. Christmas is in the top five list for the same reason, with the added risk of inclement weather.
The holiday season is here, and accidents on the road and inside the house tend to increase this time of year. Keep your season joyful inside the house and out with these safety tips.
Indoor Tips
Fire is one of the most common hazards in December.
- You should carefully inspect holiday light strings each year and discard any with frayed cords, cracked lamp holders, or loose connections. When replacing bulbs, unplug the light string and be sure to match voltage and wattage to the original bulb. Also always turn off holiday lights when you leave the house unattended or when going to bed.
- Purchase a freshly cut tree; they are more resistant to fire. Keep your Christmas tree watered and away from open candles.
- Never connect more than one extension cord; instead use a single cord that is long enough to reach the outlet without stretching, but not so long that it can get easily tangled.
- Do not use your gas fireplace if the glass panel is removed, cracked, or broken, and only allow a qualified service person to replace fireplace parts.
- Test your smoke alarms monthly to make sure they work; be sure to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home — especially near sleeping areas.
Outdoor Tips
- Do not store combustible materials such as gasoline, propane, paper, chemicals, paint, rags, and cleaning products near your gas furnace. Gasoline or propane cylinders should be stored outside the home.
- Use an outdoor timer certified by CSA International to switch lights on and off. Lights should be turned on after 7 p.m. to avoid the electricity rush hour.
- When hanging outdoor lights, keep electrical connectors off the ground and away from metal rain gutters. Use insulated tape or plastic clips instead of metal nails or tacks to hold them in place.
- If you’re going to use a ladder to put up lights, you should choose the correct ladder for the job and double check for a certification mark to ensure your portable ladder complies with applicable standards.
We hope you and your family have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year! If you need help after an accident or other problem, contact us.
