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Holiday Home Safety Reminders

Posted December 18, 2017

As we edge closer to Christmas – it’s just a week away! – we would like to take this time to remind you of a few holiday home safety considerations to make sure your celebrations stay merry.

Your tree: If it’s a real one, make sure it’s not getting dried out. Cut trees are very thirsty (they can absorb upwards of four litres a day) and if they dry out they can become a fire hazard, not to mention the mess of all those falling needles.

Your lights: Keep an eye on them to make sure they aren’t shorting out – again, another fire hazard. And if you are going out, remember to turn off all of your indoor Christmas lights.

Your plants: Like to decorate with Christmas favourites such as poinsettias and amaryllis? You’d be surprised how many plants are toxic or irritants for pets and children. Just be sure to keep them out of harm’s way. Here’s a list of typical holiday plants to be careful with.

Your gifts: It’s easy to leave the “holiday loot” lying around during festivities. But be careful when it comes to small and harmful pieces, like batteries, that pets and children might ingest.

Your fire: There’s nothing like the warmth of a fire in the hearth or even the glow of candlelight at this time of year. But it’s also easy to become distracted when you’re entertaining. If you’re going to light a fire or candles, be sure to keep an eye on them.

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), almost 60 per cent of us will host guests in our homes during the holidays. With that in mind, it offers a Holiday Entertaining Safety Checklist.

And in the spirit of the season, the federal government’s website has posted 12 ways to make sure your home is safe, both at Christmas and all year. You can see the 12 Days of Holiday Safety here.

All of us here at Amsted wish you and your family a safe and joyous holiday and a happy and prosperous new year!