Safety checklist for holiday gatherings

Key insights:

• Help guests arrive safely by having salt and a shovel on hand for bad weather, and ensure your outdoor lighting is working.
• Keep basic medical supplies on hand and store potentially hazardous items safely away.
• Fire safety is critical: keep an extinguisher handy, clean your oven and make sure your lights and other electrical systems are not frayed or overworked.
• Prep slippery areas by adding floor mats and non-slip rugs.

With the holidays right around the corner, you might be busy filling out your calendars with get-togethers and planning for family and friends to visit. While you’re sprucing up guest rooms and compiling grocery lists, don’t forget to make safety a priority before welcoming guests.

Make sure your outdoors are ready for any weather

Be sure to have salt and a shovel on hand in case any snow or freezing temperatures decide to stop by along with your guests. It’s also a good idea to make sure your outdoor lights are working so everyone can get to the door safely.

Go through your medicine box

Check to make sure nothing has expired and you have basic care items ready to go in case a family member gets a stomachache, your friend has a headache or you need a band aid after a scrape in the kitchen.

Take fire safety seriously

Ensure your fire extinguisher is in working order, your smoke detectors have fresh batteries and your oven has been cleaned. This also extends to making sure your fireplace is ready to be fired up and your heaters are at a safe distance away from flammable materials.

Check your electrical

Don’t overcrowd power strips and ensure all extension cords, holiday lights and other plug ins are in good working order. If you have little ones coming over, invest in a few outlet plugs.

Lock away important and dangerous items

It can be easy in the hustle and bustle for things to get knocked over or misplaced. So, while you expect everyone to act safely, it’s best to store flammable liquids, cleansers and other potentially hazardous items safely away until they need to be used. Store hazardous or dangerous items safely and in accordance with local laws.

Install carpets and non-slip mats by doors and other slippery areas

Entryways, stairs and seldom-used showers can be danger zones when wet or paired with socks. To prevent slips and trips, set down a few entry mats, anti-slip mats or area rugs (make sure they lay flat and have a backing so they don’t slide).

Longing for something new?

Mishaps are bound to happen. Taking care of your home’s “trouble spots” before visitors arrive can help ensure that you’re prepared for whatever comes your way. If all this talk of holiday gatherings has you longing to live closer to friends and family, reach out to Edina Realty or your agent.