May your holiday season be merry, bright and also safe! Whether you are dreaming of a white Christmas spent quietly at home or are hosting a big family dinner with all the trimming, the holidays should be a time of happiness and cheer.
All the festivities, be it cooking, traveling, and even holiday decorating can pose some risks, but there are some simple ways to minimize those risks and keep you and your family safe. Here’s a holiday checklist you can follow that will have you dreaming of sugarplums instead of wondering if your homeowner’s insurance is up to date – which it always should be!
Cooking Safety Tips
Nearly half of all fires start in the kitchen with a spike in November and December due to preparing holiday meals. Follow these tips to help reduce your chance for a cooking mishap.
- Never leave cooking food unattended – including deep-fryers. 50% of cooking fires are ignited by fat, grease, or oil. Also make sure gas appliances are functioning properly with no leaks or burners left on but unlit.
- Always read food labels if you are cooking something new or unfamiliar.
- Use a meat thermometer – no one likes an overcooked, burnt, or dry turkey, but you also don’t want to give the family food poisoning by serving undercooked meat either. Use a thermometer to make sure the meat is cooked to the appropriate temperature
Candle Safety Tips
Candles are part of many holiday traditions and what’s cozier than watching your favorite Christmas movie by candlelight, especially if it’s a Balsam Fir scented candle – YUM! However, Christmas Day has 2.8 times as many candle fires as the average day.
- Always use sturdy jars or holders that are properly balanced and placed on sturdy surfaces clear of any debris – this includes wrapping paper and decorations.
- Don’t leave candles burning alone or while you are sleeping. You also shouldn’t leave candles alone in a room with children.
- Blow out jarred candles before they burn all the way down. If the flame gets too low and causes the jar to get too hot, it could cause the jar to explode from the heat.
Bad Weather Safety Tips
While we don’t always have a white Christmas in CT, we do often get some light snow and ice. Be prepared by following these tips.
- Keep areas around your home free of clutter and debris. When snow and ice accumulate, they can be trip hazards. Always have salt and shovels at the ready as well.
- Make sure you’ve had your chimney and heating system cleaned – no one wants to be without heat in the middle of a snowstorm. Make sure everything is functioning properly and in good working condition.
- If you have a generator, fire it up and do a test run. If it needs to be serviced, make sure you get it done ASAP. Fill the fuel tank if needed as well.
Christmas Tree Safety
With technology, fake Christmas trees and decorations have become safer over the years. Thankfully we don’t use lit candles to illuminate trees anymore. However, there are still risks that you should take seriously.
- Always check your wires. 40% of Christmas tree fires are due to poor wiring or electrical issues. Check for frayed wires on lights or any decorations that are plugged in. Consider using a surge protector as well and always follow instructions on any electrical devices.
- Keep the tree away from heat sources. Whether it’s a fireplace, space heater, radiator, or baseboard heat, your tree should be a safe distance from anything that can cause it to ignite or get too hot.
- If you get a real tree –make sure you check the water level daily. A watered tree burns much slower than a dry tree in the event of a fire.
Travel Safety Tips
If you are one of the many who travel on the holidays over the river and through the woods to visit family, adding a few extra steps to your pre-flight checklist can reduce some risks and give you peace of mind.
- Install cameras or a security system. Even if they are just motion activated, being able to check on your home while you are away is a great idea. Cameras also deter thieves from trying to enter your home even when they know you are away.
- Ask a friend or hire someone to bring in your mail and shovel walkways if needed. A sure sign that your home is empty is piled up mail and unmaintained driveways and walkways.
- Consider using a smart thermostat. This will allow you to set the heat lower while you are away and also raise it before you get home so you aren’t wasting money on fuel but will be comfortable when you get home.
General Safety Tips
- Check your smoke detectors if you haven’t already
- Use flame resistant or retardant decorations
- Choose the right holiday lights – some are for indoor use only while others are for outdoor use only. Use accordingly.
- Check your fire extinguisher – make sure it’s not expired and it’s full. If you don’t have one, get one and keep it in an easy to reach place.
Happy holidays from all of us at Baribault Fuel.
