The 2020 holiday season is officially here. In years past, that meant it’s time to start thinking about buying presents, planning big meals, scheduling travel, and / or planning party outfits. And while the pandemic this year is bound to change how we celebrate the holidays, some seasonal risks are the same as they ever were.
- Check your smoke detectors and replace dead or missing batteries
- Prevent cooking fires
- Never leave cooking food on the stove unattended
- Test the fill level of a fryer with water and your turkey to avoid overfilling
- Use a cooking thermometer to prevent overheating of oil
- Prevent candle fires
- Keep candles on sturdy, clear surfaces
- Blow candles out before they burn all the way down
- Give burning candles a one-foot berth on all sides
- Never leave burning candles unattended
- Prevent weather-related injuries and property damage
- Update seals on your windows and doors to keep water out
- Clean your chimney
- Clean the area around the inside of the fireplace
- Keep your roof clear of debris
- Prevent Christmas tree fires
- Don’t overload electrical outlets
- Keep trees away from heat sources
- Water trees regularly
- Get rid of trees before they dry out
- Install a home security system
- Install smart water sensor
- Choose flame-resistant or flame-retardant decorations
- Use the right lights (indoor vs. outdoor) for the decorating job and hang with clips, not nails
Happy holidays from Volpei Gussow Real Estate Group. We look forward to helping you keep your home safe and comfortable into the New Year!