Written by Bernie Carr
The holiday season is a time for celebrations, cozy gatherings, and festive decor, but it also brings unique safety concerns for apartment dwellers. Whether you’re decorating with lights, lighting candles, or hosting holiday gatherings, it’s important to take steps to ensure your apartment remains a safe haven. Follow these essential holiday safety tips to enjoy a worry-free season in your apartment home.
1. Be Careful with Holiday Lights and Electrical Decorations
Just a couple of days ago, a man in Massachusetts was electrocuted while hanging lights on a tree outside. A pole he was using came in contact with a utility pole electrical line. The man was hospitalized after being found by emergency personnel.
Holiday lights are a beautiful way to brighten up your apartment, but they also pose fire and electrocution risks if not handled properly. Here are a few precautions to keep in mind:
- Inspect All Lights and Cords: Before hanging any lights, check for frayed wires, cracked bulbs, and any damage. Even a small defect can become a hazard.
- Use LED Lights: LED lights are not only energy-efficient but also emit less heat, reducing fire risks. Choose LEDs over incandescent bulbs whenever possible.
- Avoid Overloading Outlets: Plugging multiple lights and decorations into a single outlet can lead to electrical overload, which increases the risk of fire. Use surge protectors if you need extra outlets, and distribute the load across different outlets.
- Don’t Get Close to Power Lines: When hanging lights outside especially on the roof or tall trees, look around and check if power lines are nearby. Don’t even get close to those lines, even when using a pole, as electric shock is a grave risk.
2. Choose Fire-Safe Decorations
Some holiday decorations, such as dry wreaths and Christmas trees, are highly flammable. Opt for fire-safe decor to reduce potential hazards:
- Artificial Trees Over Real Trees: Artificial trees are less flammable than real ones. If you prefer a real tree, make sure to keep it well-watered to reduce dryness, which can increase its flammability.
- Avoid Placing Decorations Near Heat Sources: Keep all holiday decor away from heating elements, space heaters, radiators, and candles.
- Use Non-Flammable Materials: When possible, use flame-retardant or non-flammable materials for garlands, wreaths, and other decorations.
3. Exercise Caution with Candles and Open Flames
Candles add a cozy glow to holiday gatherings, but open flames can be especially dangerous in apartments. Here’s how to use candles safely:
- Use Battery-Operated Candles: Battery-operated candles look realistic and eliminate fire risks. They’re especially great for households with pets or small children.
- Never Leave Candles Unattended: If you do choose to light traditional candles, never leave them unattended. Always extinguish them when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Keep Candles Away from Flammable Objects: Candles should be kept at least a foot away from anything that could catch fire, including curtains, paper decorations, and holiday greenery.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly one in five Christmas tree fires were started by lamps or bulbs and eight percent started by candles. Candle fires peak in the months of December and January, with 11 percent of candle fires occurring during that time period.
Source: Practice Fire Safety by FEMA.gov
4. Check Your Smoke Alarms and Fire Extinguishers
The holidays are an ideal time to make sure your smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are in working order.
- Test Smoke Alarms Regularly: Press the test button on each smoke alarm to ensure it’s working. Replace batteries if necessary.
- Have a Fire Extinguisher on Hand: Familiarize yourself with the location of fire extinguishers in your building, and consider purchasing a small one for your apartment. Keep it in an easily accessible spot, like the kitchen, and learn how to use it properly.
- Know Your Building’s Fire Safety Plan: Review your building’s fire evacuation plan, especially if you’re hosting guests. Knowing your building’s fire exit routes is essential for safety in an emergency.
5. Prevent Falls and Trips
Decorations can become tripping hazards if not placed carefully. Here’s how to prevent accidents:
- Secure Rugs and Cords: Ensure that all rugs are secure and that cords from holiday lights are kept out of walkways.
- Use Stable Ladders for Decorating: If you need to reach high places to hang decorations, use a stable step ladder instead of standing on chairs or tables.
- Keep Entrances Clear: Make sure entryways and walkways are free from clutter, especially if you’re expecting guests. A clear path will reduce the risk of slips and falls.
6. Take Extra Precautions with the Kitchen
Many holiday gatherings center around food, so the kitchen tends to get more use during the season. Keep it safe with these tips:
- Don’t Leave Cooking Unattended: Holiday cooking often involves multiple dishes, but it’s crucial to stay in the kitchen while cooking, especially when using high heat or hot oil.
- Keep Flammable Items Away from the Stove: Oven mitts, dish towels, and paper products should be kept at a safe distance from the stove and oven to prevent accidental fires.
- Use a Timer: With so much happening during the holidays, it’s easy to get distracted. Set a timer for every dish to avoid overcooking or burning food.
7. Secure Your Home When You’re Away
Many people travel during the holidays, which can leave apartments vulnerable to break-ins. Follow these security tips to protect your apartment when you’re away:
- Use a Timer for Lights: Set lights on timers to create the appearance of someone being home, deterring potential burglars.
- Pause Mail and Package Deliveries: A full mailbox or packages piling up can signal that you’re away. Consider pausing mail delivery or asking a friend to pick up packages while you’re gone.
- Inform Building Security or a Trusted Neighbor: Let your building’s security team or a trusted neighbor know if you’ll be gone, so they can keep an eye on your apartment.
8. Be Mindful of Noise Levels
Holiday gatherings can get lively, and it’s important to be considerate of neighbors, especially in an apartment setting. Keep noise at a reasonable level to avoid disturbing others and maintain good relationships with those around you.
- Limit Loud Music and Activities to Earlier Hours: Try to finish loud activities by a reasonable hour to be considerate of neighbors’ schedules.
- Use a Sound Machine or Rug Pads: If you’re worried about noise carrying through floors or walls, consider adding rug pads or a sound machine to dampen sound.
9. Have an Emergency Kit Ready
Winter weather can bring unexpected power outages. Be prepared by keeping an emergency kit stocked and accessible:
- Include Flashlights and Batteries: A good flashlight with extra batteries is essential in case of a power outage.
- Keep Extra Blankets Handy: Power outages can lead to cold temperatures, so keep a few warm blankets accessible.
- Stock Non-Perishable Food and Water: In case of bad weather, it’s wise to keep a supply of non-perishable foods and bottled water in your apartment.
10. Plan for Pet Safety
If you have pets, consider their safety with holiday decorations, gatherings, and travel plans:
- Avoid Toxic Decorations and Plants: Certain holiday plants, such as poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly, can be toxic to pets. Keep these out of reach or choose pet-safe alternatives.
- Create a Safe Space for Pets: If you’re hosting a gathering, set up a quiet area for pets to retreat from the noise and excitement.
By following these apartment holiday safety tips, you can enjoy a festive, safe, and joyful season. With a little extra planning and mindfulness, you can celebrate the holidays without worry, making your apartment a safe space for everyone.
About the author
Bernie Carr is the founder of Apartment Prepper. She has written several books including the best-selling Prepper’s Pocket Guide, Jake and Miller’s Big Adventure, The Penny-Pinching Prepper and How to Prepare for Most Emergencies on a $50 a Month Budget. Bernie’s latest e-book, FRUGAL DIY has just been released on Amazon. Her work appears in sites such as the Allstate Blog and Clark.com, as well as print magazines such as Backwoods Survival Guide and Prepper Survival Guide. She has been featured in national publications such as Fox Business and Popular Mechanics. Learn more about Bernie here.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/apartmentprepper
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apartmentpreppers/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AptPrepper
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7vOtdbo-wiBeBxD6puCr1Q
Patreon: https://patreon.com/apartmentprepper
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/aptprepper/
Today’s societal climate not supportive of prepping. With your help, we can keep bringing you content that is often suppressed. Help keep Apartment Prepper alive.
Join me on Patreon for ad-free content.
