Staying safe at home during holiday season
Not to dampen the holiday spirit, but the most wonderful time of the year can also be one of the most dangerous for homeowners. Fortunately, a few preventive measures should be enough to keep you and your home safe and secure into 2019 and beyond. Here are five essentials from the experts at HomeAdvisor.
Winter is the most dangerous season for home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Remember the 3-foot rule: That’s how far any heat source, from candles to space heaters, needs to be from all things flammable — including blankets, rugs and the Christmas tree. The NFPA also recommends having your chimney inspected by a qualified professional every year; the average cost for the project, according to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide, is $227.
Slick walkways, darkened stairwells and, yes, a little too much eggnog all contribute to the spike in fall-related injuries during the holidays. Stock up on de-icer, rock salt or sand to prepare surfaces ahead of snow and ice. If your home’s entryway is poorly lit, consider adding an exterior light fixture. And be careful when adjusting and removing those holiday lights, since ladder accidents are another major cause of holiday injuries. You can hire a pro for the job for as little as $200, according to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide. Reports of package theft surge during the holidays. Requiring a signature for delivery or receiving text or email alerts when packages reach your home will minimize the risk. Installing security cameras in and around your home can also deter would-be package thieves. One industry study found that 60 percent of burglars consider the presence of cameras when selecting a target. If you need help with the install, a qualified handyman should be able to do the job for under $100. Snow shoveling causes thousands of injuries and as many as 100 deaths each year, according to the National Safety Council. If you’re not used to regular exercise, think about hiring a professional snow removal service; most homeowners pay between $30 and $75 per snowstorm, or $350 to $450 for a seasonal contract, according to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide. If you’re fit enough to shovel your own snow, remember to stay hydrated, dress warmly and use good shoveling form, pushing the snow as much as possible rather than lifting and tossing. Holiday meals can be a recipe for foodborne illnesses. Following a few best practices will keep you and your guests safe. Start by using separate cutting boards for raw meat and ready-to-eat items like vegetables or bread. Always use a meat thermometer to check internal temperatures of the turkey, roast or other cooked meat. And once the meal is done, refrigerate leftovers within two hours to prevent them from being infected with bacteria.