More Tips on Holiday Home Safety

2007/11/27 Originally published in the Vernon Morning Star.

It's that time of year again that I like to remind homeowners of the extra care needed to protect ourselves against both fire and theft.

Lit candles help provide ambience during our holiday get togethers. But in all the excitement and distraction that company can bring, it's not that difficult to forget to check on the candles. It is best not to put them in rooms that are only intermittently occupied. For instance, the powder room. Put them in places that if they burn down or fall over someone will see it immediately. Remember to take special care when choosing your candle holders. Select ones that don't tip easily and that have fool proof drip systems.

Something else that deserves your full attention is the condition of you Christmas light wiring. It is prudent to avoid using "the old favorites" if there is any sign of exposed wiring or visible wear. Of course it's good to purchase new lights just because they save energy.

There are not that many of us anymore who have wood burning fireplaces. But if you do, I'm sure the holiday season is your favorite time of year to use them. Please don't take chances on your chimney. If you haven't had it cleaned, it is best not to use it.

Invest in a good tree stand that provides generous water to your cut tree or better yet, select an artificial tree. They are much less of a fire hazard.
Holiday break-ins and thefts are all too common. Do whatever you can think of not to draw attention to yourself when you bring home your shopping. Do your best to hide away gifts, especially electronics and jewellery. It's extra important now to be using our security systems. Remember to replace any burnt out bulbs in your exterior light fixtures. Make the effort to keep the exterior of your house lit so that it encourages would-be thieves not to pick your house. Motion sensor lights are ideal for this purpose.

My one last tip is for after Christmas. We need to dispose of the cartons that any new electronic gadgets, DVD players, televisions etc. come in. Flatten them and put them to the curb at the last possible moment before the recycling truck is to arrive. This will greatly limit the possibility that a thief will see those boxes and plan a "visit" to your home. If at all possible, load them in your car and take them to a cardboard disposal outlet yourself.

I'm sure you will think of lots of other good habits yourself. If you do, e-mail them to me and maybe next year I can add them to this column.

Most of all just think safety. Right from ice removal on your sidewalk to remembering you've got something simmering on the stove, it's all very important.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Jane Field works with RE/MAX Vernon. Jane has over 30 years experience in the Real Estate business. To suggest topics for future articles or to ask Jane questions, email her or call 503-3755.

RE/MAX Vernon | 250.503.3755 | Toll free 1.888.503.3755 | 5603 - 27 ST | Vernon | BC | V1T 8Z5 | Canada

Helpful Information for Buyers and Sellers

More Tips on Holiday Home Safety