Holiday Safety Tips for New York Homeowners

The holidays are a very busy time of year for many New York homeowners. Check this list twice to keep your home safe from hazards this season.

Do not leave stovetops and ovens that are in use unattended during the holidays or any other time of the year. Cooking equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires according to National Fire Protection Association.

Make sure the fire extinguishers in your home have not expired. Also, it is important to note that not all fire extinguishers are created equal, so be sure to become informed on different types of fire extinguishers and how to use them in the event that your home needs any specific kinds of extinguishers. Don’t let a fire ruin your Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa or New Year!

With all the parties and family gatherings during the holiday season, homeowners increase their oven use and use them for extended periods of time. If applicable, make sure that you replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors and check your smoke alarms. Never use your oven as a source of heat, and keep the oven fan on while baking and cooking.

Don’t deep-fry the turkey on Thanksgiving! According to multiple sources, turkey fryers are extremely dangerous to operate and should not be operated inside the home, or at all. Here’s an example from FDNY on why deep-frying your turkey can be dangerous.

Use caution when cooking with grease to prevent fires and burns. If smoke is visible or there is a burning smell, turn off the stove immediately and air out your kitchen and home.

Avoid theft in your home during the holiday season. Keep unwrapped and wrapped gifts out of sight! Don’t leave them in a place where a thief can see them through a door or window of your home. Also, keep gift wrap and ribbon away from heat sources and open flames. One example: If you plan to hide your gifts in a linen closet, keep it away from any lightbulbs, especially if they tend to overheat!

Let management, your superintendent (if applicable), and a trusted neighbor know if you will be traveling during the holidays. Don’t forget to stop your mail if you plan to travel for an extended period of time so that mail doesn’t accumulate on your porch or in a mailbox. Thieves will be more likely to tell that you are not home if mail is piled up around your home.

When traveling, consider keeping lights on in your home, or having a trusted neighbor check in on your unit. Activity in your home will create the illusion that you are home even if you are not.

If you prefer to have a real Christmas tree in your home, be sure to water it regularly because the dry leaves pose a high risk of flammability.
Make sure that all trees, real or fake are kept away from any heat sources such as a fireplace, heater, space heater, etc.
If you are tired of hauling out the tree and ornaments, there are great Christmas tree alternatives that are perfect for Co-ops and Condos. Some alternatives can minimize fire, tripping, and choking hazards as well as the upkeep and set up of traditional decorations. Plus, if you have minimal space, smaller Christmas trees and alternatives are a great option.

Before hanging any string lights, check for broken bulbs and faulty wiring as these can pose a potential fire risk. Also, make sure that all Christmas lights are the proper voltage and that you are using the correct type of lights for indoor vs. outdoor decorating. Use caution when using extension cords, surge protectors, and power strips. Spending a little extra on LED string lights can prevent overheating and lower utility costs! Always read the box to make sure you know the maximum amount of string lights that can be safely connected.

Consider swapping flame-lit candles for battery-operated ones as they reduce the risk of fire.

Chanukah Menorah Safety: Never leave wax candles unattended while lit. Additionally, keep open flames away from other objects that could catch on fire. We suggest leaving the Chanukah menorah near a sink for easy extinguishing if necessary. If you plan to use an electronic Chanukah menorah, check the wiring for tears or issues, and check or replace any old or broken bulbs