Is Your Home Safe for the Holidays?

The holidays can be stressful enough without worrying about home safety or the risk of accidents. The following safety tips from Insurance Solutions Inc. can take the stress out of your celebrations by making your Cullman, AL home a safer abode for the holidays.

Christmas Tree

Freshly cut trees are more resistant to fires, making them better choices if you’re going for a live tree. Before putting the tree in your stand, cut a groove at the bottom as this helps the tree absorb water and stay fresher longer. Secure your tree to a hook on the wall or curtain rod with fishing line to keep it from falling over. If you’re getting an artificial tree, make sure it’s fire-resistant.

Christmas Lights

Check all Christmas lights before putting them up to ensure they’re in good condition. Frayed strands or cracked sockets can be a fire hazard. If you’re going out for the evening, turn your lights off. Always turn off lights before retiring for the night. Avoid overloading your tree or house with excessive lights.

Cooking

Keep small children away from the kitchen during meal prep and make sure someone is watching the oven and stove whenever it’s in use. When cooking food on the stove, turn pot handles inward to reduce the risk of accidents. Be careful when serving hot foods as splashes of gravy or hot drinks can easily cause burns. Supervise children around hot foods or drinks to avoid accidents.

Smoke Alarm

Put fresh batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and ensure they’re working properly. Keep a workable fire extinguisher in the home and know how to use it.

Don’t forget to review your home insurance policy to ensure you’re protected against holiday accidents. To learn more about home insurance coverage, call or visit Insurance Solutions Inc. in Cullman, AL.