Written by Level Home Staff
The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it also comes with unique safety risks. From decorations and cooking to gift-giving and traveling, the festivities often bring hazards that we might overlook in the excitement.
Here are essential tips to keep your home and loved ones safe through the holiday season. Follow these practices to make sure you’re celebrating safely, and see how a Level lock can help secure your home during this busy time.
Decorations make the season bright, but they’re also a top source of holiday injuries.
Every year, over 18,000 ER visits are linked to holiday decor incidents.
The weekend following Thanksgiving is the peak time for decor-related ER visits.
Here’s how to enjoy decorating while keeping everyone safe:
For children: Small decorations and strings of lights can be tempting for little ones to put in their mouths – the most common injury for toddlers is by ingesting a decoration – so keep these out of reach. Opt for shatterproof ornaments and avoid decorations with small parts.
For adults: Ladder-related injuries are a common issue as adults try to hang lights or reach high places. Make sure ladders are set up on level ground and have someone nearby to help if needed.
For pets: Make sure your dogs and cats do not chew on your Christmas tree as pine needles can get lodged in their intestinal tract. Keep pets away from the water base as well because it may contain chemicals that can harm your pet. According to the Humane Society, a number of seasonal plants are also poisonous to pets, including ivy, holly, mistletoe and poinsettias. Do not leave candles unattended near pets as they may tip them over, spilling hot wax or potentially starting a fire. Keep choking hazards like tinsel and small decorations out of reach of your pet.
Fire safety and decor-related accidents are intertwined as certain decorations, like Christmas Trees and holiday lights, can cause residential fires. Not to mention, all the extra cooking and candles increase the risk of fires during the holiday season.
The average number of residential fires reported on Thanksgiving Day more than doubles the usual amount.
U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 160 home structure fires that begin with Christmas trees annually.
Keep your home safe from fires with these tips:
Never leave cooking unattended: Cooking is one of the biggest causes of holiday fires. Keep a close eye on the stove and oven, and use timers as reminders.
Check smoke detectors: Test smoke alarms in the kitchen and other high-risk areas to ensure they’re working correctly. Consider investing in smart smoke detectors that alert you even when you’re away.
Learn about smart home devices that can keep your home and children safe.
Candle alternatives: Flameless LED candles offer a realistic look without the risk of fire. If using real candles, keep them at least 12 inches away from flammable items and never leave them unattended.
Fireplace precautions: Before lighting a fire, ensure your chimney is clean. Use a screen to contain sparks, and keep flammable items well away from the fireplace.
Menorah fire hazards: Be careful when using a Menorah as some have been recalled for catching fire. Like all candles, do not leave your Menorah unattended or near flammable materials when lit. Typically the Menorah is placed in the most focal window looking out to the street. Remember to tie back any curtains that may dangle! Our favorite modern Menorahs are from Jonathan Adler.
Check and replace lights: Inspect your lights each year for frayed cords, exposed wires, or broken bulbs. Only use lights approved by certified testing labs, such as UL.
Prevent overloading: Plugging too many lights into one outlet can overload circuits, leading to electrical hazards. Spread out the load, and use surge protectors to help manage power distribution.
Outdoor lighting: Use only lights designed for outdoor use, and secure them with hooks rather than nails to avoid damaging cords.
Real vs. artificial trees: If using a real tree, make sure it’s well-hydrated to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire risk. For artificial trees, look for fire-resistant labels.
Safe placement: Keep your tree at least three feet from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, and space heaters. If you have pets, we recommend securing the tree to prevent falls.
LED lights: Switch to LED lights, which are cooler and reduce the risk of a tree fire.
Unplug lights at night: Turn off lights when leaving the house or going to bed. For added convenience, consider using a smart plug or timer to automate this task.
Keep real trees hydrated: A dry tree is a fire hazard, so water it daily to keep it fresh.
Make sure your gifts are safe, especially if they’re for young children.
In the 2022 calendar year, over 200,000 toy-related injuries were sustained by children 14 years old and younger.
Avoid small parts for young kids: Toys with small parts pose a choking risk for young children. Check the age recommendations on toys, especially for those under three years old.
Look for safety certifications: Choose toys that meet safety standards and are made from non-toxic materials. Always inspect packaging and look for the ASTM label, which shows that the toy meets safety standards.
The holidays see a significant spike in package theft and home burglaries.
In the last 12 months, nearly 60 million Americans have had packages stolen from their porch.
Over 8% of all burglaries in the United States occur in December.
Fortunately, there are easy steps you can take to protect your home.
Secure deliveries with smart locks: For extra protection against porch pirates, consider a smart lock. With a smart lock, you can create temporary access codes for trusted delivery services or set up an in-home delivery option to keep packages safe.
Install video doorbells and lights: Video doorbells and motion-activated lights can deter potential thieves and give you peace of mind when packages arrive.
Before going on vacation, consider these simple yet effective safety measures for your home:
Create a lived-in look: Use smart lights and timers to make it look like someone’s home. Set lights to turn on and off at different times to create a more natural look.
Limit social media announcements: While it’s tempting to share holiday plans, avoid posting travel details online. You can always post your photos after you return.
Upgrade to smart locks for remote monitoring: Smart locks offer keyless entry and remote monitoring, so you can track who’s entering your home and adjust access as needed.
Read more about what to do before going on vacation.
The holidays should be a time of celebration, not worry. Following these safety tips will help you avoid unnecessary risks so you can enjoy every moment. Consider enhancing your home’s security with a smart lock from Level to give you peace of mind whether you’re at home, out shopping, or traveling.
Happy, safe holidays!
