During the holidays, our homes are often filled with festive decorations, activities, and gatherings.

However, with that excitement can also come potential dangers that threaten the safety of you, your loved ones, and your abode. Here are a few key strategies to help keep your home protected through every occasion, allowing you to fully embrace the spirit of the season.

Lights, candles, caution

Twinkling lights add an undeniably magical quality to the holidays, whether they’re on roofs, around windows, or on trees. But if you’re reusing strands from the previous year, first ensure they don’t have any frays, cracks, or loose or broken lights before hanging them inside or outside your home. You may also want to consider making the switch to LED lights since they won’t overheat and become a potential fire hazard like incandescent lights can. Moreover, avoid overloading outlets by utilizing extension cords with built-in circuit breakers, which can help prevent electrical fires.

When lighting candles, it’s important to set them on a sturdy, nonflammable surface that’s out of reach of children and pets so they’re less likely to be accidentally knocked over. Also, make sure the area is clear of flammable objects like curtains and other holiday decorations. And remember to extinguish the candles before leaving the room or house to reduce the risk of accidents.

Greenery guidelines

Greenery is often the centerpiece of holiday decor, with many people placing real and artificial trees and garlands all around their homes. If you choose to decorate a real tree, check the water levels each day to prevent it from drying out and becoming a potential fire hazard; for an artificial tree, opt for one labeled as fire-resistant. Whichever you choose, ensure it is securely anchored to prevent any tipping, especially if you have active pets or young children. Furthermore, all your plants, whether fake or real, should be kept away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, and heating vents.

Carefully crafted cuisine

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and that’s especially true during the holidays when meals made with love and care serve as centerpieces for gatherings. Unfortunately, though, the excitement of the season can easily lead to mishaps if you don’t remain diligent; in fact, cooking is the number one cause of house fires. Keep combustible items like dish towels and oven mitts away from stovetops and ovens, and always turn your pot handles inward to minimize the risk of accidental spills. If you are planning to fry anything in grease, be sure to have a lid close by so you can quickly smother an unexpected flame. Most importantly, store a fire extinguisher within easy reach for extra precaution, and never leave the kitchen while anything is cooking—it only takes a few minutes for a sizzling pan to go from just right to dangerous.

Fireplace fortifications

If you haven’t done so already, have a professional inspect your fireplace. They’ll check for structural issues and remove any excess debris and buildup of soot and creosote that could lead to a chimney fire. Next, verify that the fireplace screen is in good working condition to ensure it will effectively prevent embers from flying out. Once you’re ready to start a fire, move any flammable objects, such as trees, wrapping paper, stockings, and rugs, at least three feet away from the fireplace opening. Also, test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, promptly replacing any that don’t work.

Pet-protection protocols

While four-legged friends can make the season even merrier, it may not always be the safest time for them. If you have pets or expect guests to bring theirs, avoid using small decorations or ornaments that could be choking hazards. Tinsel, for instance, may look irresistible to your cat or dog, but it can damage their stomach and intestines if they eat it since it isn’t digestible. Additionally, certain holiday plants, including poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe, are potentially poisonous to animals, so consider using faux plants or other varieties in your decor.

When you make safety a priority, you can prevent common household dangers and fully immerse yourself in the holiday season, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.