Getting Your Home Ready For the Holidays
The holiday season brings with it the opportunity to entertain family and friends. Menu planning and decorating is generally high on the holiday preparation list, but that is not necessarily the most important thing to consider. It is very important that various home safety issues be addressed before the holidays. The steps that make a home safer for holiday guests will also increase the overall safety of a home throughout the year.
Exterior safety issues
It is imperative that the walk from the drive or street to the front entrance be safe for visitors. Walkways should be cleared of all debris. Cracks in the walkway that could cause someone to trip should be repaired. Adding handrails to steps is a safety feature that can be beneficial throughout the year. A welcome mat is an attractive addition to a front porch, but it can be a tripping hazard if it is not a heavy or non-slip rug. There should not be any cords from holiday decorations running across the porch. Someone could easily get entangles in them. A well lit walkway and entryway is safer than an entrance with little or no lighting. This is another safety feature that applies to everyday life as people go in and out of the house on a regular basis.
Reducing the risk of falls
Before having family and friends over for holiday meals and parties, interior safety issues should be examined. Floor cord protectors can conceal electrical cords so that the risk of tripping is decreased and the aesthetics of the room is improved. Accent rugs can actually be a home hazard because people often trip or slip on them. A room filled with too much furniture looks small and cluttered. It can also make moving around in the room difficult. Before adding guests to an already crowded room, it's wise to remove some of the furniture, especially accent tables that are likely to topple if a child tries pulling up on them. An excess of decorations can also pose some safety issues as guests mingle around the room during a party.
Pets
Holiday activity can be stressful for pets. When getting a home ready for the holidays, creating a safe zone for pets should be near the top of the list. One specific room could be designated as a safe haven for pets. Lock the door or clearly identify it as a door that is not to be opened. According to information provided byPet Poison Helpline, there are numerous holiday decorations and food hazards related to pets. Securing pets in a separate room will ensure their safety. A dog, cat or bird that is usually friendly might react differently to a crowd or to people constantly trying to pet it. Unfamiliar noises could also be frightening for pets.
Safety for guests
There are a few safety tips that directly relate to holiday guests. The guest bathroom should be made as safe as possible for overnight guests and for visitors who attend a holiday party of dinner. Grab bars can easily be added as a safety feature for a tub or shower. Tall toilets have become a popular bathroom update. They can be a luxury that guests will appreciate. A nightlight in the bathroom is both a safety feature and a convenience for overnight guests.
Young children are curious. To be sure that small children are safe while visiting, safety locks can be added to cabinets where medication or potentially hazardous cleaning products are stored. All medication should be locked away during any entertainment event that includes children.
