Tips For A Safe Holiday Season

Okay, the holidays are looming before us and it’s not even Thanksgiving yet. So what can we do to alleviate the panic of NET (Not Enough Time)? Shopping on the internet is how many of us deal with the Christmas rush, even though many of us still like to see what we are buying and visit our favorite boutiques and malls.

I have found that there are some great websites offering consumer reviews, comparison prices and even great get-away airfares when it all gets to be too much. I provided a list of my favorites in the previous post.

Since, it recently happened to a client of mine, the holidays are also a great time to review home safety measures. Water and fire can cause the most devastating damage to your home. Water is insidious. It can sneak between walls, underground and across and entire ceiling. If not found, slow leaks can cause potentially toxic mold. Look for signs of water damage on ceilings, walls and carpets (bubbling of paint or plaster, water stains, cracks or dry wall tape that pops up). More destructive water issues are caused by bursting pipes. Secondly, fire is especially a concern during the holidays. Here are my suggestions for safe practices around the house during the holidays and throughout the year.

1. Replace hoses to washing machines (especially upper level ones) every 7 years with stainless steel mesh hoses (they last longer). This happened to a client whose house had to be gutted as water was running down from the third floor for the entire work day.
2. Turn off the water supply to the outside spigots and open them to bleed the pipes dry.
3. If you see signs of water leakage, call an experienced roofer, gutter man or plumber to address right away. (I have a list of home services providers on my website www.exitchaosentercalm.com).
4. Inspect gutters and downspouts quarterly and roof flashings and tiles every couple of years.
5. Make sure drainage pipes take water away from your house and gardens are bermed accordingly.
6. Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and utility rooms and make sure everyone knows where!
7. Have an escape plan in the event of a fire for the entire family, day or night.
8. Make sure your Christmas tree lights are new every year (this is easy today with inexpensive lights) and that your refill tree water daily. Putting sugar in the water also helps.
9. Change your smoke alarm batteries every year at the same time.
10. Have chimney and fireplace flues inspected annually and cleaned when required and use fire screens when burning wood.


Have a safe and happy holiday season!