Plan ahead for holidays

With the big-ticket holidays on the horizon, now is an excellent time to take stock of your home and plan for the season. through a newcomer’s eyes. What stands out? What needs aren’t being met? Focus on the main areas guests will occupy, such as the living room, bathroom, kitchen and guest bedroom. Pay attention to floors and clear the surfaces of tabletops and dressers. Make sure you have enough seating and put out fresh towels for overnight guests. Take a quick inventory in any bathroom your guest might use, and clear out any items you don’t want rummaged through. a critical step in an emergency, and closing the water main can stop any rushing leak in your home.

Establish a good relationship with your service providers. This requires some foresight, but the best way to get service in a holiday emergency is to cultivate a pre-existing relationship with a reliable plumber, electrician, HVAC provider or other professional. You’ll have an easier time getting your phone calls returned at odd hours if they already know you. A good professional will be able to talk you through some steps to stem the problem.

Ask about rates ahead of time. A reliable provider will have no problem telling you what you can expect to pay for an afterhours call on Christmas Eve. Knowing this will help you avoid unpleasant surprises.

In case of emergency, make sure you know where to find flashlights, fire extinguishers and even phone numbers for your local utility companies (especially the “afterhours” hotlines) in case they need to be notified.