Holiday Home Safety Tips from Arrow Inspections
Serving Calgary, Chestermere, Cochrane, Strathmore, Airdrie, Carstairs, Crossfield, Olds, Mountain View County & Rocky View County
The holiday season is a wonderful time for family, friends, and festive decorations—but it’s also a time when home accidents and hazards increase. From Christmas lights to space heaters, the holiday season can unintentionally create safety risks in your home. At Arrow Inspections, we want to help you enjoy a safe, worry-free holiday season in Calgary and the surrounding communities.
1. Inspect Holiday Lights Before Use
Before stringing up lights indoors or outdoors:
- Check for frayed wires, cracked sockets, or loose connections.
- Make sure outdoor lights are rated for exterior use.
- Avoid overloading outlets or extension cords—use surge-protected power strips.
Tip: Turn off all decorative lights when you leave the house or go to bed.
2. Keep Space Heaters and Candles Safe
Cold winter nights often lead to extra heat sources, but they can pose fire hazards:
- Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from curtains, furniture, and Christmas trees.
- Never leave candles unattended; consider flameless LED candles.
- Ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly—test them monthly.
3. Mind Your Christmas Tree
A real Christmas tree can be a fire hazard if not maintained properly:
- Keep the tree stand full of water to prevent it from drying out.
- Place the tree away from heaters, fireplaces, and exits.
- Dispose of the tree promptly after the holidays—don’t let it dry and become flammable.
4. Kitchen Safety During Holiday Cooking
Holiday feasts bring heavy cooking, but kitchens are a major source of accidents:
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Keep flammable materials, like dish towels or paper, away from stovetops.
- Make sure children and pets stay a safe distance from hot surfaces.
5. Check Your Home’s Entryways and Walkways
Winter weather can create slippery hazards outside your home:
- Clear snow and ice from walkways and driveways.
- Use sand or ice melt products to prevent slips.
- Ensure outdoor lights are bright enough to see icy spots at night.
6. Fireplaces and Chimneys
Nothing beats a cozy fire, but fireplaces need caution:
- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned before use.
- Use a fireplace screen to keep sparks from flying into the room.
- Burn only appropriate materials; avoid wrapping paper or holiday debris.
7. Plan for Emergencies
Even with precautions, accidents can happen. Be ready:
- Keep fire extinguishers accessible and know how to use them.
- Have an emergency exit plan for your family.
- Make sure your home insurance is up to date.
Enjoy a Safe Holiday Season
At Arrow Inspections, we care about the safety and comfort of your home, not just during inspections but year-round. Following these holiday safety tips can help prevent accidents, property damage, and ensure a joyful, stress-free season for you and your loved ones.
From all of us at Arrow Inspections—happy holidays and stay safe!