‘Tis the season to open your home for gatherings with family and friends. Before the festivities begin, it’s important to ensure your home’s safety for all your guests. Here’s a checklist to help you get your home ready for memorable and safe gatherings. (Providing the FUN is on you!) 

Outdoor Prep and Safety

  • Keep walkways and driveways clear of ice and snow: Be proactive about salting or sanding your walkway and driveway to prevent slips and falls.
  • Check your outdoor lighting: Ensure walkways are well lit. Also check that any holiday lights you’re using are rated for outdoor use and are secured in place. Decorations or lights that aren’t secure may become a tripping hazard.

 

safely hanging holiday lights

Inspect Your Electrical System

  • Check outlets and circuits: Overloaded circuits are a common cause of electrical issues. Ensure outlets are in good condition, and avoid plugging too many things into one socket. 
  • Inspect extension cords and power strips: If you’re using extension cords or power strips for lights or decorations, make sure they’re rated for the load you plan to put on them. Never “daisy-chain” power strips together, as this can cause overheating. Only use power strips with a built-in circuit breaker for added safety. 
  • Turn off unused appliances: When not in use, remember to turn off space heaters, electric blankets, and other heat-producing appliances to prevent fire hazards. 

 

appliances may be a fire hazard

Fire Safety Measures

  • Keep candles away from flammable objects: If you plan to use candles for ambiance, always keep them away from anything that could catch fire—like curtains, paper, or holiday décor. 
  • Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms: Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to make sure they’re working properly. Change the batteries if needed. Make sure both types of detectors are installed in key areas of the home (especially near bedrooms and the kitchen). 
  • Inspect your fireplace and chimney: Before using your fireplace, have it inspected and cleaned if necessary. Build-up of creosote can lead to chimney fires, so ensure it’s free of obstructions and has proper ventilation. 
  • Have a fire extinguisher on hand: Make sure you have a fire extinguisher in key areas of your home, especially near the kitchen and in the garage. 
  • Cooking safety: If you’re preparing a large meal, don’t leave the kitchen unattended while cooking, especially when using the stove or oven.

Kitchen Fire Extinguisher

Prepping the House for Guests

  • Clear pathways and remove clutter: Keep walkways, stairs, and entryways clear of clutter. Ensure there are no tripping hazards like uneven rugs or cords running across the floor. 
  • Secure heavy decorations: If you’re hanging large or heavy décor (like wreaths, garlands, or stockings), make sure they’re securely fastened to avoid them falling on someone. 
  • Check your heating system: As temperatures drop, it’s essential to ensure your heating system is working efficiently. It’s wise to have your heating system inspected, especially if it’s been a while since it was last serviced. Clean or replace furnace filters to improve air quality and energy efficiency.

Enjoy a Safe and Joy-Filled Holiday Season

By following this pre-holiday checklist, you can create a cozy environment for safe gatherings in your home. With a little preparation, you’ll be able to relax and focus on what matters most—spending quality time with family and friends. Season’s Greetings from our team at Branch Property Investigations!