The holidays are here. For many of us, it means a welcome return to tradition in a year that’s felt very unsettling, to say the least. At the end of 2020, you want to be able to slow down and enjoy the holidays with your loved ones.
It’s important to know, though, that the holidays are also a time for increased fire and theft risk. To help you enjoy your holiday season with minimal stress, we’ve rounded up four tips to keep your home safe.
Take steps before you travel
If you plan to leave for the holidays, prepare beforehand.
One of the best things you can do to keep your home safe is nothing at all. Specifically, don’t publicize your upcoming travel plans on social media. Thieves keep an eye out on these platforms and might target your abode if they know you’ll be gone. Wait until you get back to post your pictures.
Also, take steps to make your home look inhabited. This can be as easy as putting a couple of lights on timers in visible windows.
Finally, ask a neighbor or friend to keep an eye on things and to pick up your mail. Nothing tips a potential thief off to an easy target quite like an overflowing mailbox or pile of packages on the front porch.
Check your lights before you hang them
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has some sobering statistics. Fire departments respond to roughly 160 home fires started by holiday trees and about 780 home fires started by other decorations each year.
To keep your home safe, before you string up any lights, check them. Look for frayed wires and broken bulbs. Also, test strands before you hang them or string them on your tree.
While you’re at it, think through any candles. Make sure you have them in safe places (on non-flammable surfaces and spaced appropriately from any flammable items) and double-check that you’ve blown them out anytime you leave the house.
Get your heat sources ready
As the winter gets chilly, you’ll want to keep your home cozy. In Southern California, that might mean using heating systems you haven’t used in a while.
Take care to make sure your heating system is ready to rock. If you have a chimney, clean it and get it checked. If you’ll be using a furnace, make sure it’s up-to-date on all of its maintenance. And if you’ll be using a space heater, make sure you review its safety protocols, like how far you should keep it from any other items.
Be prepared for porch pirates
If you’re getting packages shipped to your house this holiday season, keep an eye out. It can be helpful to opt into delivery updates and alerts so you have a rough idea of when your package should show up. Make it a point to be home to grab it and bring it inside to safety.
If you can’t be home to receive your package, consider setting up something by your front door like a large potted plant. Give delivery people a place to stash your stuff that’s out of sight. Also, consider adding motion-sensing outdoor lights just in case anything gets delivered after dark. It will help delivery people and deter thieves.
Happy holidays from our team at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center! We’re here to help you make the most of the season and enjoy it to the fullest. If you’d like to learn more about our services, including telehealth therapy and alternative healing, contact us.
