Triangle Area Real Estate News & Information

The holidays are a joyous, fun-filled time of year, but they’re also a time to think about safety. With all of the shopping, parties and traveling, everyone is in a hurry during the holidays. With so much activity, it’s easy to overlook the safety of you and your family. Here are some tips to help you to stay safe over the holidays.

Safety In The Home

• If you have a natural Christmas tree, be sure the lighting is UL approved and that the wires are not frayed or damaged.
• Put your tree in a solid base that will prevent it from falling over easily when children or pets get too close.
• Keep your live tree well watered to prevent it from drying out and becoming a potential fire hazard.
• Be sure to test your smoke alarms to ensure they are working.
• Keep the stairs, walkways, halls and doors free of clutter to ensure that a fast escape is possible in case of fire.

Decorating The Tree

• Keep lit candles away from other Christmas decorations such as a tree, a wreath, curtains or drapes, or anything else that might be flammable.
• Keep holiday plants away from children. To a child or pet, they may appear good enough to eat, but plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe, holly berries, and Jerusalem cherry are poisonous.
• Do not put breakable ornaments or decorations with small parts near the bottom of the tree where children or pets can reach them.
• Turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed. Unplug the extension cords, too.

Protecting Your Home

• Be sure to keep doors and windows locked if you leave the house.
• Use a timer to turn lights on and off when you are not there – especially for prolonged periods.
• Leave a radio or TV on so the house sounds like someone is there.

Staying Safe While You're Out Shopping

• Keep your windows closed and your doors locked while in your car.
• Be aware of your surroundings, and do not approach your car if suspicious people are close by.
• Do not leave shopping bags in sight in your car, as it creates a temptation for thieves.
• If shopping at night, park in a well-lit area.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Hold on to your purse tightly. Better yet, leave it at home if possible.
• Do not carry large sums of cash, but keep what cash you have in a front pocket.

Using an ATM

• Get money from an ATM in a safe and well-lit area. Do not go to it if suspicious people are nearby.
• Prevent others from seeing your PIN by hiding the keypad as you punch the numbers in.

Be Safe With Your Food

• To prevent foodborne illness, avoid keeping food out on the table or counter for more than two hours. Hot foods should be kept at 140 degrees F, and cold foods below 40 degrees F.
• When serving leftovers, be sure to warm up to 165 degrees to ensure bacteria is killed.
• Wash your hands frequently while preparing meals.

Vehicle Preparation

• Make sure your car is prepared for winter by checking your fluids, brakes, and tires.
• Prepare for emergencies by carrying emergency supplies with you. They should include a flashlight with good batteries, an extra blanket or two, a first aid kit, an ice scraper, reflective triangles, wooden matches in a watertight container, and high energy foods such as snack bars, nuts, and hard candy.

Staying safe during the holidays requires being alert to potential problems and watching out for others. Enjoy your safe holiday!