Holiday Safety Tips for a Safe and Stress-Free Season

Keep Your Home Safe During the Busiest Time of Year

The holiday season is one of the most joyful — and busiest — times of the year. Between decorations, gatherings, cooking, and winter weather, it’s also a time when safety can easily slip to the back of our minds. A few simple precautions can help keep your home secure and your celebrations stress-free.

Whether you’re hosting holiday events or traveling to visit loved ones, these safety tips can help protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind.

Be Smart With Holiday Lights & Décor

Holiday lighting adds warmth and charm, but it can also introduce risks if not used properly.
Before decorating, inspect all light strands for frayed wires, damaged plugs, or loose bulbs. Replace anything that looks worn.

Use indoor-rated lights indoors and outdoor-rated lights outdoors. LED lights are a safer and more energy-efficient choice, producing less heat than incandescent bulbs.

Avoid overloading electrical outlets or power strips, and always unplug lights before going to bed or leaving the house.

Keep Trees & Decorations Fire-Safe

If you enjoy a real Christmas tree, make sure it’s fresh and well-watered to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Keep it away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, or heat vents.

Artificial trees should be labeled as fire-resistant.
And for both real and artificial trees, use sturdy, weighted bases to reduce the risk of tipping.

For candles, choose safe locations far from flammable materials — or consider using battery-powered candles for a worry-free alternative.

Practice Kitchen Safety

Holiday cooking increases kitchen activity, often with multiple dishes going at once. To reduce the risk of accidents:

Keep flammable items like dish towels away from burners.

Stay in the kitchen when the oven or stovetop is on.

Use timers to stay on track.

Make sure children and pets stay clear of hot surfaces.

Small habits like turning pot handles inward and keeping walkways clear can prevent spills and injuries during busy moments.

Protect Your Home While Traveling

If you’re heading out of town, take steps to secure your home.
Lock all windows and doors, use light timers, and pause mail or package deliveries to avoid signaling that you’re away.

Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye out, and avoid posting travel details on social media until after you return.

Smart home devices — like video doorbells and security cameras — can add extra peace of mind when you’re not home.

Check Safety Devices

Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms before the holiday season gets underway. Replace batteries if needed, and make sure you have a fire extinguisher easily accessible in the kitchen.

Winter also brings increased heating use, so ensure vents and chimneys are clean and clear.

Final Thoughts

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, and a little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your home safe and your gatherings stress-free. With thoughtful attention to lighting, décor, cooking, and travel safety, you can focus on what really matters — making memories with the people you care about.

If you’re planning home updates or renovations in the new year, your mortgage professional can help you explore financing options or equity tools that support your vision.