Simple tips to keep the cheer in your celebrations and the hazards out of your holidays.
Key takeaways
- Decorate safely: Use sturdy ladders, check lights for damage and keep trees well-watered and away from heat sources.
- Prevent fires: Use flameless candles, turn off lights before bed, never leave cooking unattended and keep a fire extinguisher handy.
- Stay prepared: Drive cautiously, pack a winter emergency kit, secure packages and make your home look lived-in while traveling.
The holidays are here, and with them comes the excitement of twinkling lights, delicious meals and festive gatherings. However, the season of cheer and cozy celebrations also brings a bit of chaos. Between hanging decorations, juggling cooking duties and dealing with crowded malls, it’s easy to overlook the risks that come with the holiday delight.
Fortunately, a little preparation can go a long way in keeping your celebrations merry and your loved ones safe. From decorating to travel, follow these practical tips to navigate the season safely and help ensure your holidays are filled with happiness — not hazards.
Related: Holiday hazards and safety tips [infographic]
Avoid a disaster while decorating
Decking the halls is one of the best parts of the holidays, but it can also lead to some of the most preventable mishaps. Falls from ladders, electrical accidents and poorly placed decorations are just a few of the hazards that can put a damper on your festive spirit.
String lights are a holiday staple, yet using old or damaged strands can be risky. Check for frayed wires and loose bulbs before plugging them in. And while it might be tempting to pile multiple strands into one outlet, resist the urge — overloading sockets is one of the quickest ways to start a fire.
When hanging lights or other decorations:
- Always use a sturdy ladder — not the nearest chair or wobbly table.
- Make sure the area around the ladder is clear.
- Never stretch too far to hang that last ornament.
If you’re working with a partner, they can hold the ladder steady and hand you what you need. Remember: teamwork makes for safer (and faster) decorating.
Finally, the Christmas tree. For many, these evergreens are the star of the show, but they need some care to stay safe. Real trees should be kept well-watered to prevent them from drying out, and it’s important to ensure that artificial ones are labeled as fire-resistant. But regardless of which type you have, make sure to place your tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators and candles. And while you’re at it, it’s not a bad idea to anchor it securely to prevent it from tipping.
The bottom line? Decorating is supposed to be fun — just take your time and make safety part of the holiday routine.
Stay safe from fires
Candles flickering on the mantel, the glow of the Christmas tree, a roaring fire in the hearth — it all feels magical until something goes wrong. The reality is that the holidays are one of the riskiest times for home fires, and most of them are avoidable.
If candles are part of your holiday décor, keep them at least a foot away from anything flammable, and never leave them unattended. Consider flameless options for added safety. Battery-powered candles can create the same cozy atmosphere without the worry.
For string lights, opt for energy-efficient LED versions, which stay cooler than traditional ones. Always turn off holiday lights before going to bed or leaving the house, and don’t use indoor lights outside.
And if you’re lighting up the fireplace, skip burning wrapping paper, dried-out trees or branches. These items can cause dangerous flare-ups and send sparks flying where they don’t belong. It’s a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher in an accessible spot and make sure everyone in your home knows where it is and how to use — it’s a small step that can make all the difference during a fire emergency.
Cook without the chaos
Speaking of fires, let’s not forget about holiday cooking. It brings loved ones together, but it’s also a leading cause of home fires. From distracted cooks to overcrowded countertops, there’s plenty that can go wrong.
To keep your kitchen safe, never leave the stove unattended. It only takes a moment of distraction for an accident to happen. Keep flammable items like oven mitts and towels away from burners, and again, keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.
Related: Thanksgiving safety tips
But there are other dangers lurking in the kitchen! When preparing food, keep your workspace organized and clean. Wash your hands frequently and use separate cutting boards for raw meat and other foods to avoid cross-contamination. And when the festivities wind down, refrigerate leftovers promptly to prevent foodborne illness.
Holidays are for feasting, not fumbles. A little mindfulness in the kitchen can go a long way.
Protect your packages and property
Unfortunately, theft tends to spike during the holidays. Porch pirates and parking lot thieves are out in full force during this season as shoppers are busier than ever, juggling errands and deliveries.
Related: Juggling Jingle Bells: Tips to Manage Holiday Stress for Insurance Producers
Prevent package theft by scheduling deliveries for times when you’re home or using secure options like lockers or drop-off points. For shopping trips, don’t leave purchases visible in your car — lock them in the trunk instead — and always park in well-lit areas.
Traveling for the holidays? Don’t let your home appear unoccupied while you’re away. Set timers for lights, pause mail delivery and consider installing security cameras for added protection.
Thieves are opportunistic but taking a few simple precautions can make you a less likely target.
Travel safely
Whether you’re driving to visit family or running holiday errands, winter travel comes with its own risks. Poor weather conditions and increased traffic can make the roads more dangerous.
Before hitting the road, make sure you have a full tank of gas and check your car’s tires, brakes and fluids to ensure everything is in good working condition. Pack a winter emergency kit with essentials like blankets, a flashlight and a first-aid kit. And if snow is in the forecast, include items like an ice scraper and a small shovel.
On the road, take it slow. Adjust your speed to current conditions, avoid cruise control on icy stretches and stay focused — no texting while driving! And let someone know your travel plans, including your ETA, so they can check in if needed.
Make the season merry and safe
The holidays are a time to celebrate and create lasting memories. By staying mindful of some of the most common hazards and taking preventative steps, you can ensure your season is merry and most importantly, safe.
From all of us at Arrowhead, have a joyful holiday season! We hope it’s one to remember for all the right reasons.