Stay Safe This Holiday Season with These 6 Tips

The holidays are a special season, with twinkling lights and cozy evenings by the fire. But it also comes with unique risks. Winter is one of the busiest times for home insurance claims, with common issues like fires, water damage, and accidental injuries taking the spotlight.

Studies show a spike in home fires during December and January, which can be caused by unattended candles, overloaded electrical circuits, or dry Christmas trees. It’s recommended to take extra precautions this season to protect your home and family.

We’ve rounded up a list of 6 tips to help you reduce risks this holiday season. And don’t worry—these suggestions aren’t just for Christmas enthusiasts. Even if you don’t celebrate, these safety tips are great for winter in general.

Keep Your Chimney Safe and Clean

There’s something magical about a crackling fire on a cold winter night. But a poorly maintained chimney can turn that magic into mayhem. Over time, creosote—a flammable byproduct of burning wood—builds up in your chimney. If left unchecked, it can ignite and cause a chimney fire.
How-to:

Schedule regular cleanings: Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a professional. This is especially important if you burn wood frequently.
Burn seasoned wood only: Green or wet wood produces more smoke and creosote. Use dry, seasoned hardwoods like oak or maple for a cleaner burn.
Install carbon monoxide detectors: Ensure your home has functioning detectors to alert you to harmful gases that can result from improper ventilation.

Pro tip: Chimney maintenance isn’t just about safety—it can improve heating efficiency, saving you money on energy bills. And let’s not forget that a clean chimney ensures Santa can make a safe landing!

Deck the Fireplace—But Safely

Decorating your mantle is a beloved holiday tradition, but it’s important to keep fire safety in mind. Garlands, stockings, and ornaments can be highly flammable, especially if they’re near an open flame.
How-to:

Position decorations wisely: Keep all flammable items at least 36 inches away from the fireplace opening.
Use flame-resistant materials: Consider swapping traditional décor for items made from non-combustible materials like metal or glass.
Invest in a spark guard: A sturdy screen or glass door can prevent stray embers from escaping and igniting nearby objects.
Keep pets and kids in check: Curious hands and wagging tails can easily knock decorations into the fire.

If you’re looking for more information on using your fireplace or wood-burning stove safety, we dive into it in our blog: Fireplace and Wood Stove Safety.

Candle with Care

Candles are the epitome of holiday ambiance, but they also account for a significant number of fire claims each year. A forgotten candle left burning near flammable objects can lead to devastating consequences.
How-to:

Choose the right spot: Place candles on flat, stable surfaces away from curtains, furniture, or decorations.
Don’t multitask with flames: It’s tempting to light a candle while wrapping gifts or baking cookies, but unattended flames are a major risk.
Trim the wick: A shorter wick reduces the size of the flame, making it less likely to spark or overheat.
Opt for LED candles: These flameless alternatives offer the same cozy glow without the fire risk.

Keep Your Christmas Tree Fresh

Few things are more iconic than a beautifully decorated natural Christmas tree, but if it’s not properly maintained, it can become a fire hazard. Dry trees combined with electrical lights create the perfect storm for a house fire.
How-to:

Water daily: A well-watered tree is significantly less flammable. Set a reminder to check the water level every morning.
Inspect your lights: Look for frayed wires or broken bulbs before stringing them on your tree. Replace damaged strands immediately.
Avoid overloading sockets, and shut off the lights when you won’t be around to enjoy them.
Dispose of your tree promptly: A neglected tree becomes more flammable over time. Take it to a recycling facility or follow your municipality’s disposal guidelines.

Fun fact: Modern LED lights use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and stay much cooler, making them a safer option.

Don’t Overload Extension Cords

Extension cords are a lifesaver for holiday decorating, but overloading them can lead to overheating and fires. With so many gadgets and decorations, it’s easy to go overboard.
How-to:

Spread it out: Use multiple outlets and avoid plugging too many high-wattage items into a single cord.
Check the rating: Ensure your extension cords are rated for indoor or outdoor use as needed.
Inspect regularly: Look for cracks, frayed wires, or exposed insulation, and replace damaged cords immediately.
Unplug when not in use: Switch off lights and decorations before heading to bed or leaving the house.

Other Winter Hazards to Watch For

While fire safety is top of mind, don’t forget about other winter risks:

Slippery driveways: Salt or sand icy surfaces to prevent slips and falls.
Frozen pipes: Insulate exposed pipes to avoid costly water damage.
Power outages: Keep flashlights and batteries handy, and consider a generator if outages are common in your area.

Stay Protected with the Right Coverage

Even with the best precautions, accidents can still happen. That’s where the right property insurance comes in.

At Sandbox Mutual Insurance, we’ve set out to make insurance delightfully simple. Our home, condo, and tenant insurance policies are designed to protect what matters most—your home, your belongings, and your peace of mind. Find a broker near you to get started!

Enjoy a safe and joyful holiday season knowing we’ve got your back. From all of us at Sandbox Mutual Insurance, happy holidays!