The holiday season is quickly approaching, which means that many of us will be visiting with extended family and friends, hosting parties, and cooking copious amounts of food. Although we have a few weeks before the holiday season kicks into full swing, that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start preparing. Besides getting your Christmas shopping done early and searching for the perfect turkey, you should also prepare your home for upcoming holiday gatherings. Here are five things you can do to make your get-togethers safe and enjoyable for you and your guests:
- Keep busy areas clear: Shovel your walkways and driveway and put down some salt. Mop up spills in the kitchen as soon as they happen. Make sure no furniture is in the way, no pots or pans extend beyond the edge of the stove or counter, and no pets or small children are underfoot. By keeping your walkways and work areas clear of potential hazards, you’ll keep yourself and your guests safe from possible injuries.
- Control fire hazards: When you light candles, burn incense, light a fire in your fireplace or bonfire pit, or put up Christmas lights or a tree, keep the surrounding area clear of flammable materials. Check outlets to be sure they’re safe to use, and don’t overload them with multiple plugs or extensions. Place candles, incense, matches, and lighters in secure places where pets and children can’t reach them. Keep an eye on any food you’re cooking so it doesn’t burn. Taking these preventative measures will help you protect your property from any fire-related incidents.
- Serve alcohol responsibly: If you serve drinks at a party or family get-together, make sure that everyone is drinking responsibly and has a safe way to get home if they’re not staying over. Limit your guests’ access to any alcohol you’re serving by preparing drinks ahead of time. This way, you and your guests won’t have to worry about anyone getting into a driving accident or otherwise injuring themselves or others.
- Limit your pet’s interaction with guests: It’s natural to want your pet to be part of the family festivities, but that doesn’t mean you should make your pet stay through the whole thing. Giving your pet some time alone in a quiet area of the house will keep them from biting or scratching anyone due to overexcitement. This is especially crucial if you’ve invited guests who have young children or guests your pet is not familiar with.
- Update your homeowner’s insurance policy: With all the planning you have to do, your homeowner’s policy might be the last thing on your mind. However, it’s important to keep your policy up-to-date, especially during this time of year. The chances of certain accidents occurring increase significantly during the holiday season; you don’t want to be caught off-guard if something does happen to your home or property.
The holidays are a time for making good memories, not catastrophic ones. If you have questions about your homeowner’s policy or would like to change your existing policy, contact us at Reed Street today. We would love to help you, and want to make sure your holiday season is safe and worry-free.Sports brands | adidas Yeezy Boost 350