Quick Holiday Safety Tips for Home

Key Takeaways

Simple precautions like checking cords, avoiding electrical overloads and using timers can prevent common holiday accidents.
Planning your trip, along with preparing your home and kitchen, helps reduce risks for families and guests.
Fire safety steps, from testing alarms to keeping extinguishers handy, provide peace of mind during celebrations.

The holidays are a time for joy, family gatherings and festive traditions. They are also a time to check in on home safety! From twinkling lights and crowded kitchens to icy driveways and busy travel times, accidents can happen when you least expect them. By taking a few simple precautions, you can focus more on celebrating the season, while keeping your home and loved ones safe.

Home & Decoration Safety Tips

Decorating is one of the most joyful parts of the season, but it’s also a time that’s ripe for accidents! Keep these tips in mind to keep the joy while staying safe:

Check lights and cords: Look for frayed wires, broken bulbs or damaged plugs. Repairing electrical items demands precision and expertise: many fixes are best handled by a licensed electrician. With an Electrical Protection Plan from Enercare, repairs to your home’s electrical system are covered, so you can enjoy a festive, well-lit home without added repair bills this holiday season.

Avoid electrical overload: Spread plugs across outlets, especially high-wattage devices, to reduce the risk of fire, or tripping a breaker.

Stay away from heat sources: Keep your tree and all flammable decor at least one metre away from fireplaces or any other heat source.

Candle alternatives: Use battery-operated, flameless LED candles to reduce fire hazards.

Ladder safety: Getting those lights high on the house or tree? Set ladders on level ground and have a spotter nearby.

Outdoor decor safety: Use outdoor-rated cords plugged into GCFIs and keep all connections dry and away from any power lines and water.

Protect your cords: Keep electrical cords where children and pets can’t reach them. Make sure cords aren’t under rugs, furniture or anywhere that might cause a tripping hazard.

Kitchen & Cooking Safety Tips

Why does everyone hang out in the kitchen? Keep the busiest room in the house safe this holiday:

Never leave food unattended on the stove, especially when frying or grilling.

Keep towels, paper and oven mitts away from open flames.

Use timers to track multiple dishes and avoid distractions.

Have a fire extinguisher within easy reach.

Travel Safety Tips

Seeing friends and family near and far is part of the holiday hustle and bustle. Being prepared for those journeys can help take away the stress and the danger.

Before you leave: Check the weather, car fluids, tire pressure, and make sure your car has proper winter tires.

Emergency kit: Pack blankets, flashlights, snacks and water in your car. Always travel with jackets, hats and mitts in case your car breaks down in the cold.

Pass the mocktails: Never drive under the influence; plan for a designated driver or try a trendy non-alcoholic drink instead.

Flying: Pack valuables in your carry-on and allow extra time for busy airports.

Thermostat: lower your thermostat by 6-8 degrees while you’re away to help reduce energy consumption, while keeping your home warm enough to prevent your pipes from freezing.

Automate lighting: Set up a timer so your lights turn on automatically when you’re away.

Fire Safety & Emergency Prep Tips

Being prepared in the event of an emergency helps you get out of that situation faster and safer. Preparation is the best prevention, so try these tips during the holidays to avoid danger:

Test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries if needed.

Keep a fire extinguisher easily accessible, especially near the kitchen or fireplace

Share an evacuation plan with your family and overnight guests.

Happy Holidays!

The holidays are the perfect time to make new memories, not making new worries! By decorating safely and cooking with care to preparing for travel and fire emergencies, you can help protect your home and everyone within. Small precautions can make a big difference, giving you confidence and peace of mind throughout the season.

And when you need extra support, Enercare is here to help. From keeping your home heated and comfortable to protecting essential systems, our experts make it easier to enjoy a safe, stress-free holiday. Focus on celebrating — we’ll help take care of the rest.