As the holiday season draws near, many homeowners find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of decorations, gift-wrapping, baking, and party planning. But amid all the festive cheer, one crucial detail often gets overlooked—holiday home safety.
From fire hazards to icy walkways and overloaded power outlets, your home faces unique seasonal risks that can turn celebration into crisis if not addressed. That’s why we’ve created this essential holiday home safety checklist to help you stay secure and stress-free all season long.
Whether you’re lighting up the roof or hosting guests indoors, these expert-backed safety tips will help protect your family, property, and peace of mind.
1. Test and Maintain Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Your first defense against home fires and gas leaks is properly functioning alarms. With fireplaces, candles, and ovens working overtime during the holidays, early warning systems are more critical than ever.
- Test all alarms at least once a month
- Replace batteries every 6 months
- Ensure coverage on every floor and near sleeping areas
- Upgrade to smart detectors that send alerts to your phone
Holiday safety tip: Keep decorations away from open flames or heat sources. That scented candle centerpiece? Make sure it’s at least 12 inches from flammable items.
2. Inspect Extension Cords, Outlets & Power Strips
Decorative lights and inflatable yard displays add magic to your home—but they also increase the load on your electrical system. Faulty cords and overloaded outlets are a major cause of holiday house fires.
- Check for frayed wires, burn marks, or bent plugs
- Never connect multiple power strips (“daisy-chaining”)
- Use outdoor-rated cords for exterior displays
- Keep cords away from water, walkways, and rugs
- Follow manufacturer wattage recommendations
Pro tip: Use surge protectors with automatic shut-off for added protection against short circuits or overheating.
3. Secure Walkways and Prevent Slip Hazards
Winter walkway safety is crucial—especially when snow, ice, and holiday foot traffic come into play. Slips and falls are one of the most common seasonal accidents, but they’re also among the most preventable.
- Shovel snow and de-ice steps daily
- Apply salt or sand for better traction
- Ensure outdoor lighting is bright and functional
- Inspect handrails for stability
Make this part of your routine before guests arrive or packages are delivered. Your front entrance should feel welcoming—not worrisome.
4. Use Holiday Lighting Safely and Strategically
When it comes to Christmas lighting safety, aesthetics should never outweigh caution. Electrical fires and ladder accidents can happen in an instant if proper precautions aren’t taken.
- Use LED lights with UL or ETL safety certifications
- Don’t mix indoor and outdoor lights
- Set automatic timers to turn lights off overnight
- Use plastic clips instead of nails or staples to hang lights
- Keep light strands away from gutters, snow, or pooling water
Want to avoid the risk altogether? Hire a pro. A local service like Augusta Christmas lights installation can handle everything from design to setup, ensuring a beautiful and safe display.
5. Review Your Home Emergency Plan
The holidays may bring joy, but they can also bring power outages, storms, or accidents. That’s why emergency preparedness is a key part of any holiday home safety checklist.
- Update your emergency contact list
- Build or refresh a home safety kit (flashlights, water, food, blankets, meds)
- Know where your circuit breaker and water shut-off valves are located
- Walk through exit plans with all household members
- Include your pets in the plan with food, leashes, and ID info
Quick tip: Store your emergency kit in an easily accessible place—not buried behind holiday decorations in the attic.
6. Don’t Overlook Kitchen Safety
The kitchen is the heart of holiday gatherings—and also a top spot for accidental fires and injuries. More cooking, more guests, and more distractions make vigilance essential.
- Never leave food cooking unattended
- Keep flammable items (towels, packaging) away from stovetops
- Ensure your fire extinguisher is nearby and charged
- Secure appliance cords and keep sharp objects out of reach
- Assign one person to supervise the kitchen during peak prep time
Safety bonus: Install a small fire blanket near the cooking area for fast response in case of grease fires.
7. Secure Your Home When Traveling
Planning to leave town for the holidays? A vacant house can be a target for burglars or suffer preventable damage from frozen pipes or electrical faults.
- Install smart cameras or video doorbells
- Use smart lights to simulate activity
- Ask a neighbor to collect mail and check on the house
- Turn off non-essential appliances
- Leave heat on low to prevent pipe bursts
For added protection, enable notifications through smart home apps and alert your security provider before you travel.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Holidays Bright and Safe
The holidays should be filled with joy, not hazards. By following this holiday home safety checklist, you can focus on what matters most—spending meaningful time with the people you love.
Whether you’re hanging lights, hosting parties, or heading out of town, a little foresight goes a long way. Prioritize fire safety, walkway security, and electrical inspection now, and your home will shine brighter and safer all season long.
