Holiday Home Safety Tips: Common Accidents to Avoid This Season

Holiday home safety tips matter more than ever between late November and mid‑January, when decorating, cooking, and winter weather all increase the risk of accidents at home. This guide highlights the most common holiday‑related hazards and simple ways to help keep your family and guests safe all season long.

Decorating fall accidents

On average, there are thousands of emergency department visits each year in the U.S. related to holiday decorating, with nearly half of these incidents involving falls while hanging or taking down decorations. Many of these injuries happen on ladders, but people are also hurt falling from furniture, stairs, porches, and roofs, or tripping over cords, tree skirts, and other décor.​

To help prevent holiday decorating fall accidents:

• Use a sturdy, dependable ladder on a flat, level surface.​

• Make sure step ladders are fully opened and locked before you climb.​

• Move the ladder instead of leaning or overreaching to reach that “one last” spot.​

• Follow the “4-to-1” rule: place the bottom of the ladder one foot from the wall for every four feet of height.​

• Have another adult nearby to stabilize the ladder and hand you supplies.​

• Keep tree skirts, extension cords, and décor out of high‑traffic walkways to reduce tripping hazards.​

Fires during the holiday season

Holiday decorations create a cozy atmosphere, but they also add fire risk, especially when trees dry out or open flames and cooking are left unattended. Recent federal data show that each year there are hundreds of Christmas tree–related fires and more than a thousand candle-related fires, leading to deaths, injuries, and millions of dollars in property damage.​

To help reduce the risk of fire over the holidays:

• If you deep‑fry a turkey, do it outdoors on a flat, stable surface, away from buildings and never on a wooden deck.​

• When buying a live tree, look for flexible, green needles and a trunk that feels sticky with resin, and avoid trees that shed lots of needles when tapped.​

• Place your Christmas tree away from fireplaces, space heaters, candles, and heat vents.​

• Keep live trees watered at all times so they do not dry out and become easier to ignite.​

• Choose artificial trees labeled as fire resistant and from reputable manufacturers.​

• Use only light strings that have been safety tested by a nationally recognized lab, and follow the recommended number of connected strands.​

• Inspect all light sets for frayed wires, loose connections, or cracked sockets, and discard any damaged sets.​

• Keep candles on stable, heat‑resistant surfaces and at least a foot away from anything that can burn.​

• Never leave burning candles unattended; consider flameless LED candles if you like the look or scent without the open flame.

Slip and fall accidents

Snow and ice may look picturesque, but they are a major contributor to winter slip and fall injuries on steps, driveways, and sidewalks. Falls can lead to serious harm, including fractures, head injuries, and soft‑tissue damage, and depending on state law, hazardous walkways can also create liability exposure for homeowners.​

To help keep family and visitors safe on your property:

• Shovel snow and clear walkways, steps, and driveways as soon as reasonably possible after storms.​

• Use salt, sand, or ice melt products on icy or slushy areas, especially where guests are likely to walk.​

• Place absorbent, non‑slip mats at entryways so people can wipe shoes and avoid tracking moisture indoors.​

• Make sure outdoor lighting is bright enough for visitors to see steps and uneven surfaces at night.

Why homeowners insurance matters more during the holidays

Even when you are careful, accidents can still happen, whether it is a kitchen fire, a guest slipping on the steps, or a child knocking over a candle. A well‑structured homeowners insurance policy is designed to help cover damage to your home and potential liability if someone is injured on your property, which is especially important during a busy holiday season with more visitors and more activity.​

The Ross Maghan Agency can help you review your current coverage, identify gaps, and get a homeowners insurance quote that fits your home, risk profile, and budget so you can enjoy the season with greater peace of mind.

Article Originally Posted November 16, 2020 on www.insuranceneighbor.com