How to protect your home during the holidays and winter season

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), December is the month with the highest frequency of house fires in the United States, followed by January and February. Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are the three days when cooking fires are most likely to occur. The NFPA also says candle fires are most likely to occur on Christmas Day, Christmas Eve and New Year's Day. And those aren't the only holiday risks that can ruin your festive spirit. These are some of the Christmas holiday safety tips that can also help you through the upcoming winter.

Check your Christmas lights

Some people opt for stress-free holiday decorations, but maybe you've decided to go all out. According to Dan Mock, Vice President of Operations at Mister Sparky, you should always check your holiday decorations to make sure they aren't damaged. “Replacing broken or burnt-out light bulbs is important for safety reasons and will save you the headache of having to deal with them next year.” Additionally, any lights used outdoors should be suitable for outdoor use.

Mock also recommends investing in LED Christmas lights – as they don't use as much electricity, which can save you money on electricity bills.

Avoid overloading the sockets

Brian Petranick, group president at Neighborly Repair Brands, warns that with so many decorations, lights and additional equipment being used around the holidays, outlets can easily become overwhelmed. “Use surge protectors and limit the number of devices plugged into an outlet,” he advises. And if necessary, Petranick recommends hiring a licensed electrician to install additional outlets so you can avoid overloading your circuits and potentially causing a fire.

Another holiday safety tip: Mock adds that you should always use a power strip. “Connecting Christmas lights directly to an outlet can cause power surges, and power strips also help reduce energy consumption,” he explains.

Be careful with extension cords

On the other hand, extension cables can be practical, but if overloaded they can also pose a fire hazard – and can also be a tripping hazard. “Make sure they are suitable for indoor or outdoor use, depending on your needs, and never run them under carpets or furniture where they can overheat,” says Petranick. He recommends considering the use of smart plugs or smart power strips to safely manage electrical loads.

Check your electrical panel

If you plan to host a large gathering, Petranick recommends having your electrical panel inspected for signs of wear or damage. “An outdated electrical panel may not be able to withstand the increased load of holiday lights and appliances, resulting in blown fuses or potentially electrical fires,” he explains. If you have any doubts about the condition of your panel, have a licensed electrician perform a safety inspection.

Be careful with space heaters

If your home is drafty or you want to save on heating costs, space heaters can be useful, especially now that maintenance costs for your home can exceed $10,000 per year. However, Petranick warns that they could pose a fire hazard if used improperly. “Maintain a distance of at least one meter from flammable materials such as curtains, blankets and Christmas decorations, and if you use a space heater, choose one with an automatic shut-off feature in case it tips over,” he says.

Watch candles closely

Candles can not only be visually appealing, but also spread a pleasant scent. However, the NFPA notes that candle fires tend to peak in December. In fact, 32% of indoor fires are caused by candle fires throughout the year – but that rises to 46% in December. Never leave candles unattended and ensure they are placed on a stable surface – at least 30cm away from flammable materials. The NFPA also recommends using battery-operated flameless candles instead.

Keep an eye on what's cooking

Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires (44%), and stoves and cooktops are responsible for 53% of home cooking fires. The NFPA states that unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires. It's easy to get distracted during the holidays, but one of the most important holiday safety tips is to stay away from cooking food – and make sure pot holders and other flammable materials are placed a safe distance away.

Respect your sink drain

During the holiday season, family members and friends may help you with clearing and tidying up. Another holiday safety tip is to make sure they (and you) know what can and can't go down your drain. According to Joe Mouawad, general manager of the Eastern Municipal Water District, in addition to water and dish soap, small bits of food are acceptable. “If you have a garbage disposal, you can throw small food scraps in there, like vegetable peelings or small leftovers—but don't overdo it,” he says.

However, Mouawad warns against FOG (fats, oils and grease) as they can clog your pipes. “Also, avoid things like coffee grounds, eggshells, and anything starchy or fibrous, like banana peels.” While these items may seem harmless, he says they can clog your plumbing down the line. “This can lead to unpleasant odors, slow drainage, sink overflow, or in severe cases, a burst pipe.” Additionally, according to Mouawad, it can affect the health of your community’s sewage system for the same reasons, albeit on a larger scale.

And there are other things he doesn't want to pour down the drain. “Avoid sauces and cheese sauces, as well as starches such as rice or pasta, as these expand and clog pipes – and avoid all non-food items such as paper, chemicals or plastic.”

For fats, oils and fats, Mouawad recommends having an old container ready to pour these substances into. When it's full, he recommends throwing it in the trash. “For vegetable scraps or non-fatty leftovers, composting can be a great way to reduce waste—just leave out the fatty parts,” says Mouawad.

Don't let your pipes freeze

If you're traveling for the holidays, Joseph Wade, vice president of operations at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, recommends keeping the heat on in your home. “If it's turned off, the drop in temperature can cause frozen pipes and major damage to your home's plumbing.” However, he says there are plenty of reliable smart sensors and automatic shut-off valves that can be installed by professionals to prevent this from happening. “Think about purchasing one this holiday season and consulting a local plumber to have a line of defense – this type of technology can detect temperature changes and water in areas of the home where they shouldn't be.”

Wade also recommends investing in heat tape, pipe sleeves or heat cable for active water lines or pipes that are exposed in the winter. “You can try touching the pipes and feeling for cold sections to locate problem areas – typical problem areas include the attic or basement,” he says.

These holiday safety tips will help you protect your home during the holiday season and beyond.