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The holidays are a time of joy and cheer as we decorate, cook and invite loved ones into our homes. Some of the things we enjoy most during the holidays can create dangerous hazards in homes and buildings. Each year, over $16 million in direct property damage occurs as a result of holiday decorating. This costly damage can be avoided.
The most profound hazards that people tend to ignore are overloaded circuits, electric decorations that can create the risk of a fire, inadvertently leaving appliances on or candles lit and icy sidewalks and steps that can be an injury waiting to happen.
Hickory Construction President Ben Pinnell provides these tips to help ensure your home or building investment is protected, and that you and your guests remain injury-free:
Ensure circuits aren’t overloaded with too many plugs, and plug in GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt) circuits. Before stringing lights, inspect them for cracked sockets and frayed, loose or bare wires or loose connections. Unplug light strings before replacing bulbs or fuses.
Before leaving the house, be sure all electric decorations are turned off to prevent the chance of a fire. Due to the recent drought, many Christmas trees are dry and may have brown or brittle needles which are even more prone to fire.
When entertaining, it’s easy to forget to turn off the oven or warming trays. Double check, especially before you go to bed or leave the house, that these appliances are turned off.
Start now and prepare your home for any ice or snow that visitors can slip on. Don’t use salt, instead use a product that says it’s safe to use on concrete surfaces. (Pet and environmentally friendly options are available at home improvement and hardware stores).
For more information on how to protect your building investment, watch our monthly interviews with WBIR Channel 10. If you’re interested in a renovation or new build, contact us today.
