During the holiday season, we tend to get wrapped up in the festivities, gift-giving, and family outings and let our guard down when it comes to home safety. By following some simple safety tips, you can help protect your home from intruders as well as other unneeded issues this season. Kevin McAllister did a fantastic job at defending his home from burglars during an era where home security cameras were not so readily available. We want to avoid the need for blow dryers, irons, and marbles as boobie traps like Kevin used to defend his home in Home Alone, after all he was only 8! Channel your inner Kevin this holiday season and as he famously said “This is my house. I have to defend it”! If you really want to relive your 90’s you could stay in the Home Alone house through Air B & B who are celebrating the release of Home Sweet Home Alone.
Safety First, when Decorating!
When decking the halls, be sure to use the correct lights. No one wants to experience a house fire this December. Be sure to extinguish all candles and unplug all Christmas trees, decorations, and lights when unattended. Take a moment to look around your home and make sure everything is safely turned off before you leave your home.
Oh, What Fun it is to Buy Online!
The pandemic has catapulted us into shopping online more than ever before, people are completing a large portion of their holiday shopping online. While we may be avoiding the dreaded long holiday shopping lines, most of us are also receiving unattended packages that sit on our doorstep. Due to this, many people have experienced package theft. Avoid your packages walking off in the hands of thieving elves, by requiring that your delivery must be signed for, plan to be home when the package arrives, or have a neighbor keep an eye out for you.
Enjoy your Vacation then Post to Social Media
While we are all tempted to post vacation pics while we are still on vacation, this holiday season and as a safety rule DON’T. If you have public social media profiles, and if people know you are away – even for a couple of days you could risk becoming a victim of burglary. Unfortunately, burglaries aren’t only committed by strangers, there’s actually a bigger risk of being targeted by someone you know. So, let’s keep your holiday plans quiet and post your pictures when you are back home. You could also use a digital security camera like Ring or Nest to monitor your home while you are away.
Kisses Under The Mistletoe
Mistletoe, holly berries, and poinsettias are great for decor but are toxic to people and animlas if ingested. Keep your little ones and pets away or opt for fake alternatives to avoid a night in the emergency room. There is no reason why you can’t celebrate the season with a festive home while maintaining safety. If your children happen to digest any of these, be sure to contact your doctor immediately and Poison Control at 847.452.2628. A dog’s digestion of these plants may result in symptoms such as vomiting, irritation, and diarrhea. If these occur call Animal Poison Control at 888.426.4435 and your veterinarian.