The new year is a time for fun and rejuvenation. As people spend time together and work to achieve their resolutions, there can be a lot of activity going on. While this can mean fun and good times, it also comes with some risks. These risks can easily be avoided with proper preparation and care. Follow these safety tips to keep your family and home out of harm’s way.
Safety Tips for Reorganizing and Redecorating
Changing up the home, reorganizing and decluttering can be one of the best ways to feel refreshed with the new year. But when you take on home improvement projects and begin stripping the holiday decorations, it’s important to stay mindful and safe. Follow these safety tips for redecorating to avoid any trouble:
- Check your local waste pickup laws for disposing of Christmas trees properly.
- Avoid leaving junk — such as old furniture, decorations or Christmas trees — too far in the street, as they can cause accidents.
- Make sure you have the right ladder when taking down lights or deep cleaning different areas, and ensure it’s sturdy — have someone hold the bottom if needed.
- When driving to drop off donations or other things from the decluttering process, check the roads and weather beforehand.
- Wear close-toed shoes when working on home improvement projects.
- Have someone nearby to offer a spot if you’re working on high surfaces or with heavy objects.
- Turn off all your lights when leaving the house or going to bed.
Safety Tips for Fire Hazards This Winter
One of the biggest concerns during the wintertime is fires. This is due to the abundant use of candles and fireplaces, especially when mixed with all the easily flammable decorations left over from the holiday season. Follow these safety tips to ensure you keep your family clear of fire hazards:
- Follow proper fireplace safety procedures and use the screen whenever the fireplace is in use.
- Make sure your chimney and fireplace receive a professional cleaning once a year.
- Put out the fire completely whenever you go to bed or leave the house.
- Do not place flammable decorations near the fireplace.
- Place your candles out of the reach of children to avoid them being knocked over.
- Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
- Blow out your candles when going to bed or leaving the house.
- Ensure all your lights are plugged in properly and the sockets are not overloaded.
- Take your holiday decorations down soon after the holiday season wraps up.
To Wrap It All Up
While there are many risks that come with wrapping up the holidays and transitioning into the new year, don’t let that ruin your fresh and renewed spirit. You should enjoy the time with your family and friends without worrying about every little thing that could go wrong.
As long as you follow these safety tips this winter and beyond, you will be just fine. Be aware of the risks traveling can bring, especially this year, make sure all your decorations are set up properly and take the necessary precautions to avoid any fire hazards.
Once all of this is taken care of, you’ll have peace of mind and can enjoy the new year fully.
Bio:
Emily is a sustainability writer who is the creator of Conservation Folks.