It’s understandable – when you have a busy schedule packed with one responsibility after another, it can be easy to overlook some key safety items.
However, it’s really. important to identify potential hazards in your home and hire a professional to help you address any concerns you might have before you bring your friends and family into your home for the Holidays.
Here are some items you should definitely put at the top of your pre-holiday safety checklist:
Clear Exits
Throughout the year, you may have accumulated boxes, paper or other clutter near doors, on staircases or on the floor. Take time to find a permanent home for these tripping hazards, so that access to windows and doors is not blocked in case of a fire or other emergency. And as you decorate for the holidays, keep safety in mind and make sure electrical cords and decorations don’t obstruct access or pose a risk for fires.
Remove Potential Fire Hazards & Check Detectors
Remove flammable debris such as leaves and sticks from your gutters and from around your home, as these could catch on fire and quickly turn a small burn into a massive blaze. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, call a chimney sweep to clean any build-up that could accelerate a fire.
If you notice broken outlets in your home, get them fixed immediately to eliminate any potential shock or fire hazards.
Inspect the filter in your home’s heating system and replace it if necessary, as the heat could ignite any built-up material. Speaking of filters, check your dryer’s lint trap and exhaust hose and remove any built-up lint, which can also ignite. Also, don’t forget to make sure your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order and have fresh batteries.
Deep-Clean Your Home
Sanitize surfaces in your home to remove germs, and make sure to dust and vacuum to minimize the dust that can trigger asthma or allergies. If you’ve noticed any mold in your home, use bleach to clean it—but don’t forget to address its underlying cause as well. Mold can cause health problems for both visitors and those who live in your home full-time.
Clean Up Outdoor Walkways, Driveways and Porches
Outside your home, remove any fallen branches, leaves or other debris from walkways that could cause someone to fall. Additionally, make sure to clear snow and ice after storms, so you and your guests don’t slip. If the temperature in your area dips below freezing, your driveway, walkway or porch may collect snow and slippery ice — which could be dangerous for a guest or an excited family member running out to meet them. If you don’t have time, consider hiring a pro to clear your pathways before it’s time for guests to arrive.
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