The holiday season is a time for celebration, family, and creating cozy memories at home. However, with all the excitement comes the need to prioritize safety for both your household and your pets.
From twinkling lights to festive decorations, ensuring your Ash Street home is secure and pet-friendly is essential for a worry-free holiday season. Here’s a practical guide to keep your home and pets safe during the holidays.
1. Prevent Fire Hazards with Holiday Decorations
Holiday decorations add charm to your home, but they can also pose fire risks if not managed carefully. To keep your home safe:
Inspect Lights for Damage: Before hanging string lights, check for frayed wires, broken bulbs, or damaged sockets. Replace any faulty lights and avoid overloading outlets.
Use Flame-Free Candles: Swap traditional candles for battery-operated ones. They provide the same warm glow without the risk of starting a fire.
Position Decorations Wisely: Keep decorations and lights away from heat sources like space heaters, radiators, and fireplaces to prevent them from catching fire.
If you plan to decorate outdoors, ensure that your lights are rated for outdoor use and use waterproof extension cords to protect against moisture.
2. Secure Decorations to Avoid Pet Mishaps
Pets are naturally curious, and holiday decorations can be a tempting target for playful paws and wagging tails. Protect your pets (and your décor) with these tips:
Anchor Your Tree: Secure your Christmas tree to the wall or use a heavy, stable tree stand to prevent it from toppling if your pet decides to investigate.
Choose Shatterproof Ornaments: Opt for ornaments made of plastic or fabric instead of glass to reduce the risk of injury if one falls or gets chewed.
Avoid Tinsel and Ribbons: Cats, in particular, are drawn to shiny tinsel and ribbons, but these can cause severe intestinal blockages if ingested. Skip them altogether or place them high out of reach.
Designate a safe, quiet space for your pet where they can relax away from the holiday hubbub and decorations.
3. Protect Packages and Deliveries
With online shopping booming during the holidays, porch theft can be a real concern. Keep your deliveries safe with these simple strategies:
Use Delivery Alerts: Sign up for tracking updates and delivery notifications so you can bring packages indoors as soon as they arrive.
Invest in a Secure Box: Consider installing a lockable package box on your porch to deter thieves.
Ask a Neighbor for Help: If you’re expecting a package while away, arrange for a trusted neighbor to collect it for you.
Being proactive can ensure that all your holiday gifts make it safely under the tree.
4. Create a Pet-Safe Holiday Space
Holiday decorations, food, and visitors can all create potential hazards for pets. Set up a safe, pet-friendly space in your home to keep them comfortable and secure:
Keep Toxic Foods Out of Reach: Common holiday treats like chocolate, raisins, and certain nuts are dangerous for pets. Ensure all food is stored safely away from curious noses.
Avoid Poisonous Plants: Seasonal plants like poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe are toxic to cats and dogs. Choose pet-safe plants or opt for artificial versions.
Provide a Quiet Retreat: The holidays can be overwhelming for pets, so designate a calm space where they can relax. Include their favorite bed, toys, and water to help them feel at ease.
If you’re hosting guests, let them know to avoid feeding pets table scraps and to keep doors securely closed when coming and going.
5. Be Mindful with Holiday Lighting
Twinkling lights are a staple of the season, but they require careful placement to ensure safety:
Hide Cords: Tuck electrical cords out of sight or cover them to prevent pets from chewing.
Use Timers: Set lights on timers to avoid leaving them on overnight or when you’re not home, reducing fire risks.
Choose LED Lights: LEDs run cooler than traditional bulbs, making them safer for use around pets and flammable materials.
Taking a few extra steps can help you enjoy the glow of the season worry-free.
Enjoy the Holidays Safely at Ash Street
By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your holiday season is filled with joy and free from unexpected mishaps. Whether it’s protecting your home from fire risks or making sure your pets stay safe around decorations, a little preparation goes a long way.
If you’re not yet a member of Ash Street Housing Cooperative, consider stopping by our office to learn more about this unique form of home ownership in the Chicago South Suburbs. Your next cozy and secure holiday season could start here.
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