Winter holidays are a festive time when folks gather and celebrate. Part of the fun of these holidays is being able to decorate your home and host dinners or other meals. However, with this excitement comes certain risks you and your household should be aware of.
Keep these tips in mind, so you can spend the holiday season safely in your home.
Check electrical equipment and decorations
If you're going to put up holiday lights inside or outside your home, make sure they're in good condition before using them. Check bulbs, wires and plugs for any with damage or in bad shape. Only use lights marked for outdoor use on the exterior of your home and lights marked for interior use inside your home.
Avoid putting any nails through cords or wires when hanging lights and other electrical decorations. Also avoid overloading any outlets, and turn your lights off when you won't be home.
Use candles safely
Festive candles, such as cinnamon or pine-scented candles, can add a cozy ambiance to your home during the holiday season. If you're going to be using candles, always keep them far away from any flammable objects or materials.
Put lit candles out of the reach of kids and pets to prevent burns and fires, and never leave these candles unattended while they're burning. Store lighters and matches in a place where pets and kids can't reach them.
Prevent kitchen fires
Kitchen fires are a common hazard during the holiday season as people prepare big meals while also entertaining guests. If you're going to be cooking for the holidays, never leave your stove unattended. If you're using the oven, check on it regularly to make sure nothing is burning. Keep kids and pets out of the kitchen to lower the risk of accidents, including burns from hot foods and liquids.
Choose safe decorations
Some holiday decorations can break easily or have sharp edges on them, while others can be toxic for kids and pets. Avoid having poinsettias or other poisonous plants. Instead, try decorating with artificial versions of festive plants. Remember, any live plants should be watered regularly to prevent possible fire hazards.
About the Author
Linda Cappello, Broker, GRI, ABR
Linda A. Cappello, Owner/Broker of Cappello Realty Shoreline Properties. Cappello Realty is a full service boutique Real Estate firm that specializes in 06855 - East Norwalk, and services all of Norwalk and Fairfield County, CT. Linda has been in the Real Estate business for 20+ years, spending 18 of them as a Owner/Broker. Being a Broker adds a lot responsibility to her job. She is responsible for overseeing every transaction and agent in the office. This is a challenge that she looks forward to and takes very seriously. She is constantly taking continuing education classes and attending seminars to keep abreast of the ever changing market as well as the industry standards, rules and regulations.
She is a native to East Norwalk, and has an in-depth knowledge of the city that she loves, as well as the intricacies of the many unique neighborhoods and areas that Norwalk offers. Linda offers her clients a network of professionals ranging from Attorneys, Mortgage Brokers, Home Stagers and Home Inspectors to any and all pros that you may need for a successful transaction and for the convenience of her clients.
"My job doesn't end at the closing table. It goes far beyond that, keeping in touch and staying friends who refer their family and friends. A lot of my business is referral business which is the greatest accomplishment and honor of all. Earning my clients trust."
