As the days get shorter, many of us are looking forward to cozy evenings, time with family and friends and the promise of the holiday season to come. While it's a busy and exciting time of year, it's also a good time to think about home safety. A few simple precautions can help reduce your risk and let you focus on enjoying the season. Here are some ways to stay safe from the prevention experts at Co-operators Insurance:
Keep your lights safe
Electric lights can add warmth and cheer to your home, but damaged cords and overloaded outlets can create safety hazards. Inspect all your light strings and extension cords for signs of wear and replace any that are frayed or damaged. Consider switching to LED energy-efficient lights, which help reduce energy consumption while still providing the same comfort.
Be sure any outdoor lights are rated for outdoor use and plugged into grounded, weather-protected outlets. And when you're installing them, use a sturdy ladder and avoid rushing the job. Remember: snow, ice and wet surfaces can increase the risk of slips and falls.
Keep fire safety top of mind
Between candles, fireplaces and cooking indoors, the cold seasons can bring added fire risks. Test all of your smoke alarms once a month by pressing the “test” button and waiting for the beep; replace older units when needed. If you use a wood-burning fireplace or stove, have your chimney inspected and cleaned before heating season.
When entertaining, never leave cooking unattended and keep flammable items away from heat sources.
Think ahead if you're travelling
Heading away? You can make your home appear occupied using light timers and asking someone you trust to check on your property and collecting your mail. If you'll be away during cold weather, consider shutting off the water supply and draining all the pipes to help prevent them from freezing, which can lead to costly water damage.
Make safety part of hosting
If you're welcoming guests, keep your walkways clear of snow and ice and ensure entrances are well-lit. If you're serving alcohol, offer food and non-alcoholic beverages and help guests get home safely when needed.
A little preparation can go a long way toward helping everyone stay safer at home. Find more home safety tips at cooperators.ca.
– News Canada