Staying Safe at Christmas: Christmas Safety Do’s and Don’ts

Alivia Whitaker | December 21, 2017 @ 12:00 AM

The holidays are a fun time full of lots of great traditions. But, Christmas safety, if ignored, leaves the door open for unexpected trouble during the holiday season. With the hustle and bustle of Christmas time we often overlook the look things and because of this, safety measures are often set aside with disastrous results. Here are some ways to keep you and your loved ones safe at this special time.

Christmas Safety – Fire Prevention

Be careful with those lights and tree! As a result of doing things hastily, assembly of Christmas trees and lights can make fire danger a possibility.

The National Fire Protection Association notes:

  • Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems one in four times, therefore make sure your electrical components are in good working order.

  • Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. On average, one of every 32 reported home Christmas tree fires results in a death compared to an average of one death per 143 total reported home fires.

  • The top three days for home candle fires are either Christmas, New Year’s Day, and / or Christmas Eve.  

Therefore, one of the best things you can do to be up on your fire safety during the holiday season is keep heat sources away from Christmas trees and make sure all your cords are in proper working order. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a heat source that is too close to the tree causes one in every four Christmas tree fires.

Christmas safety fire tips:

  • Be careful with holiday decorations - in order to do this, choose decorations that are flame resistant and / or flame retardant.

  • Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.

  • Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.

  • To keep cords from getting damaged use clips, not nails, to hang lights.

  • Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.

  • Keep children and pets away from lit candles.

  • Stay in the kitchen during all cook times.

Christmas safety information: (Source: National Fire Protection Association)

Christmas Safety – Burglary and Home Invasion Prevention

There may be some truth to the premise of the movie, “Home Alone”.  After all, Christmas is a tempting season for criminals.  Houses are full of gifts and people are often out of town.  Here is how to avoid being a victim of a home invasion or robbery this holiday season.

  • Lock your doors. Locking your home and car doors as simple as that may sound is one of the most basic ways to stay safe from robbery. Many robberies are done by thieves of convenience, who simply steal from unlocked cars that are parked outside in neighborhoods.  Also, make sure your garage and man door are not accessible.

  • Don’t leave packages out. Track your packages and take them in when they arrive. You don't want expensive gifts left unattended in front of your home. Burglars will follow delivery trucks and collect packages as they are left behind.

  • Invest in a security system. Even a basic security system is one of the best deterrents against home invasions. Clearly label your chosen security system with a sign out front. This is a great deterrent for thieves. Security cameras are another great deterrent as well as providing evidence if needed.

  • Don’t open your door to unknown persons. You should never feel pressure to open your door to someone you do not know or weren’t expecting. Many criminals use fake charities to collect donations or simply to keep you occupied in order to scope out your home. Using a security doorbell with a camera will allow you screen visitors. Or, simply talking through the door is a great step in prevention. If all else fails, just ignore the knock. If it is really important or someone actually involved in your life, they will be able to get a hold of you another way.

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