Home Safety Tips: Staying Safe This Winter
The winter season brings many changes to your home, including the addition of decorations, food, lighting, heating, and other elements that could potentially put your safety at risk. Luckily, Good Haul has some tips on how you can keep your home safe this holiday season!
Fire Safety
Fires are one of the most common homeowner’s insurance claims. During the holiday season and throughout the winter, there are a few ways you can reduce your risk for fires:
- Never leave cooking food unattended. Fry with care; 52% of home cooking fires are ignited by fat, grease, or oil.
- Handle candles carefully. Keep lit candles on level surfaces clear of clutter, and use sturdy holders. Blow candles out before they burn down, especially ones in glass jars. Never leave lit candles unattended.
- Inspect string lights before use. Replace strings with frayed cords, and replace cracked or burnt-out bulbs. Consider using a timer or smart outlet to control your lights instead of leaving them on continuously.
- Maintain your heating systems. Have a professional inspect your furnace or fireplace regularly. Clean out air ducts, vents, and chimneys. If using a fireplace, soak hot ashes in water and place them in a metal container when finished.
- Test safety equipment. Check the batteries on all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Ensure your fire extinguisher is not expired and placed in an easily accessible spot. The entire family should know where it is and how to use it.
If you’ve recently cleaned out old or broken holiday items and are unsure how to dispose of them, Good Haul can help haul away the clutter and keep your home safer.
Decorative Dangers
Decorations can often be hazardous for children and pets. Ensure that anything that could be a choking hazard is placed out of reach. Avoid placing large decorations where they could block an exit. Common holiday plants, such as poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly, can be toxic to pets, so double-check the safety of any plants you bring into your home.
For Christmas trees, hang all breakable ornaments higher than children and pets can reach. Anchor the tree to prevent it from falling over, keep it away from heat sources, and water natural trees regularly to reduce fire risks.
If you’re decluttering as part of your holiday preparations, consider scheduling a pickup with Good Haul to remove unwanted decorations or furniture.
Weather Preparation
Be prepared for weather-related injuries or damage. Stock up on shovels and sidewalk salt before a winter storm hits. Replace or install weather-stripping/seals on drafty doors and windows to keep your home comfortable. Monitor pipes, especially outdoor plumbing, to avoid freezing. Wear sturdy footwear to navigate snow or ice safely.
Got old or damaged winter tools taking up space? Good Haul can take them off your hands as part of a cleanout service.
Safeguard Your Home
If you are traveling, it’s usually a good idea to create the illusion of an occupied home. Here are a few tips:
- Put your lights on timers and ask a neighbor to collect your mail and packages.
- Keep valuables out of sight and avoid displaying them near windows.
- Refrain from sharing your travel plans online, as this could alert potential burglars.
- Utilize a home security system or cameras if available. Consider hiring a snow removal service, if necessary.
No matter how you celebrate, these tips can help ensure that you and your family remain safe this holiday season. If you discover unwanted items while preparing your home, Good Haul is here to help! From single furniture pickups to large-scale cleanouts, our team makes it easy to declutter your space responsibly.
Good Haul is Philadelphia’s only non-profit junk hauling business.All proceeds support Pathways to Housing PA and our programs. This season, you can declutter your home, haul away unwanted items, and feel good about making a difference.
Whether you’re getting rid of old decorations, furniture, or other clutter, Good Haul has you covered with flexible scheduling, competitive rates, and tax donation receipts for eligible items. Join us in creating a cleaner, greener, and more compassionate world.
