Angie’s List offers this checklist to ensure safe holiday season
Whether you’re spending the holidays at home or traveling to visit loved ones, a few preventative measures will provide a safe and merry holiday for all. “The holidays are an exciting and busy time,” said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List. “But we often don’t think about how quick a live Christmas tree can become fully engulfed in flames because of sparks from overloaded electrical outlets.”
Angie’s 8 holiday tips to ensure a safe and happy holiday:
1 · Childproof your home. Colorful ornaments and sparkling lights can quickly create potential safety hazards for kids. Getting on your hands and knees and crawling around your home is a good idea. You’ll be surprised at the things you see from that angle.
2 · Keep an eye on any cut greenery or branches you bring into your home for holiday decorations, especially if you have lights or other electrical features close by. As greenery dries out, it can become a fire hazard. Keep your tree secure and sturdy so it doesn’t tip over, and keep it away from heat sources, like fireplaces and heaters. If you buy an artificial tree, check that it’s fire retardant.
3 - Vacuum or sweep around your tree every few days, especially later in the holiday season because needles from holiday trees can also cause painful cuts in the mouth and throat if a child swallows them.
4 · Take a moment to examine your attic while you dig out holiday decorations. Check that the roof and gable vents are clear of debris and insulation. Unobstructed vents allow moist air to escape, decreasing the possibility of condensation and mildew in your attic.
5 · Don’t overload your home’s electrical circuits with holiday lights. Check fuses or circuit breaker panels to see what your home can handle and stay within the limits. Avoid putting too many strings of lights together and plugging them into a single outlet. Surge protectors are a safer option if you need more lights. And, don’t run extension cords under rugs, around furniture legs, or across doorways.
6 · Practice ladder safety. If you’re going to tackle a job yourself, have someone there to help you stabilize the ladder.
7 - Before you hit the road for the holiday, take your car to the mechanic for a maintenance check. If you car is a little road weary, consider renting a car for the trip. The added expense may be worth peace of mind.
8 - Install light timers or hire a house sitter. Early winter darkness and a home left vacant over the holidays is inviting to burglars.
Angie’s List is where thousands of consumers share their ratings and reviews on local contractors and companies in more than 280 different categories. Get more information about Angie’s List at http://www.angieslist.com. Get more consumer tips at http://www.angieslisttips.com/.
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