Hosting for the Holidays

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season is filled with festive gatherings, delicious meals, and the company of family and friends. No matter what your holiday traditions are, Anderson, Bagley & Mayo believes safety should always be a consideration. So before you carve the ham or slice the apple pie — here are ten safety tips to follow when hosting for the holidays.

1) Clear The Way

As the weather begins to change, be sure to clear your driveway, walkway, and steps of any snow and ice to prevent guests from slipping and falling on their way to your door.

2) Decorate With Care

When getting into the spirit of the holidays, it’s important to not overload electrical circuits. Overloading circuits can spark a fire in your home. After the party, be sure to unplug any festive lights and blow out any candles before going to sleep.

3) Keep the Cooks in the Kitchen

When preparing this year’s menu, always be present in the kitchen as a common cause of home fires is unattended cooking.

4) Maintain a Clean Workspace

While cooking, keep the counters clear of any flammable items, such as oven mitts and dish towels.

5) Be Prepared

If your cooking doesn’t go as planned and you burn the main dish, or a fire sparks in the oven, it’s important to be prepared. Have a fire extinguisher on hand in the event of an emergency.

6) Supervise the Little Ones

If you’re hosting small children in your home, it’s important to keep a close eye on them. Small, curious hands can pose a serious hazard around open flames — like candles, fireplaces, and stoves.

7) Monitor Open Flames

If you’re lighting a fire or setting the mood with candles, be sure the area is clear of any flammable items. In addition, never leave a lit fireplace or candles unattended.

8) Serve Responsibly

If you are serving alcohol at your holiday celebration, be mindful of how much your guests are consuming. It’s important to also have non-alcoholic beverages available for designated drivers.

9) Get Your Guests Home Safely

In the event that your guests are unable to drive home, offer to call them a cab or allow them to spend the night.

10) Light the Way

As your guests leave your home, be sure to turn on any outdoor lights, including walkway lights. This can help prevent guests from making any missteps when leaving your home.

From all of us at Anderson, Bagley & Mayo, we wish you a happy and safe holiday season! If you have any questions about protecting your home, we’re here to help. Contact a member of our ABM team or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter for up-to-the-minute tips to help you stay safe this holiday season.