The holiday season in Florida brings a unique combination of tropical weather, festive gatherings, as well as a handful of challenges to home safety. From fire hazards to unexpected weather, there are steps you can take to make sure your home stays safe and secure while you and your friends and loved ones enjoy the holiday cheer. The following home safety tips can help you safeguard your Florida home during the most wonderful time of the year.
Protect Against Fire Risks
Holiday decorations bring warmth and joy, but they also introduce potential fire hazards, especially if your home is decked out in string lights, candles, or a tree. Here are some tips to keep the festive glow without increasing the risk of a house fire:
Use LED Lights
LED lights are not only energy-efficient but also stay cool to the touch, reducing the risk of fire. If you’re hanging lights inside or outside your home, choose LEDs over traditional incandescent bulbs, which can get very hot.
Avoid Overloading Outlets
It’s tempting to plug multiple lights, devices, or decorations into one outlet, but doing so can overload circuits, especially if you have older wiring. Stick to a single extension cord per outlet, and never daisy-chain cords together. Use power strips with surge protectors as an added precaution.
Candle Alternatives
Real candles may be beautiful, but they’re a leading cause of household fires, especially during the holidays. Battery-operated candles create the same warm ambiance without the risk of an open flame in the home. If you use real candles, keep them on a stable, heat-resistant surface and never leave them unattended.
Christmas Tree Safety
If you have a real tree, remember: Dry pine needles are highly flammable. Keep your tree well-watered, away from heat sources, and unplug the lights when you’re not at home. For an artificial tree, look for fire-resistant materials to add an extra layer of protection for your home.
Weatherproof Your Home for Florida Winters: Mold & Storm Precautions
Florida’s winter weather may not bring freezing temperatures, but there are still challenges for homeowners. Here are some ways to protect your home from mold and storm-related issues during the holiday season.
Control Humidity to Prevent Mold
Florida’s humidity doesn’t take a break just because it’s winter. If your home is closed up for holiday travel or other excursions away from home, moisture can build up inside, creating the perfect environment for mold growth. To remove excess moisture in the home, use a dehumidifier in rooms prone to moisture buildup, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Set your air conditioning system to a slightly higher temperature to keep air moving, even if you’re away.
Seal Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors aren’t just a concern in cold climates; in Florida, they can allow in moisture and warm air, which contribute to mold growth. Inspect your windows and doors for any gaps or leaks, and add caulking or weatherstripping if needed. This can also help keep your energy costs down, as it prevents your air conditioning from working overtime.
Storm Preparations
Although Florida’s official hurricane season is over by the beginning of December, out-of-season storms can occasionally impact the state. Make sure your gutters are clear to prevent water buildup, which can lead to leaks or roof damage. Secure any outdoor decorations or holiday lights to avoid damage from high winds, and keep storm shutters or hurricane-proof window covers accessible – just in case. And it’s never too late to create a home inventory of all you own; it can be a lifesaver should you need to file an insurance claim.
Home Security While Away From Home
If you’re planning to travel during the holidays, it’s essential to make sure your home remains secure while you’re away. Unoccupied homes are often seen as easy targets for burglars – but there are some simple home safety tips you can use to deter unwanted visitors.
Smart Home Technology
Many modern security devices let you monitor your home from your smartphone. Consider installing security cameras, doorbell cameras, or smart locks. These systems can give you peace of mind, as you’ll receive real-time alerts if anything unusual occurs.
Lighting Strategies
A dark house can signal to would-be intruders no one is home. Set your indoor and outdoor lights on timers or use smart bulbs you can control remotely. Alternating the lights’ on and off times gives the appearance of someone being home, even if you’re miles away.
Pause Deliveries and Mail
A pile of packages on your doorstep or a full mailbox is a clear sign of an empty home. Place a temporary hold on mail and deliveries, or ask a neighbor to collect them for you. This simple home safety tip keeps your property looking attended and reduces the risk of theft.
Let a Trusted Neighbor Know
If you have a neighbor you trust, let them know you’ll be away. They can keep an eye out for any unusual activity and might even offer to take care of tasks like watering plants or picking up flyers accumulating around your door.
Review Your Home Insurance Needs for the New Year
The end of the year is an ideal time to take a quick look at your insurance coverage and see if any updates are necessary. As you prepare for the holidays, consider whether your current policy still aligns with your needs.
Evaluate Recent Home Improvements
If you’ve made any significant updates to your home – like upgrading your kitchen, or enhancing your security system – these changes may impact your coverage needs. Updating your policy to reflect these improvements ensures you’re fully protected.
Consider Your Deductible
If you struggled with a high deductible this year or found it didn’t match your current financial situation, now may be the time to adjust it. Choose a deductible better aligned with your budget and risk tolerance – because the deductible you choose will affect both your premium and your out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim.
Protect New Valuables
The holiday season often brings new gifts, like electronics, jewelry, or other high-value items. Double-check your policy to make sure these items are covered in case of damage or loss. In some cases, you may want to add a personal property endorsement to increase your coverage limits for specific valuables.
Reassess Weather-Related Coverage
Although hurricane season is over, it’s important to have the right coverage in place before the next season arrives. Confirm with your agent your policy covers wind, rain, and any other perils common to Florida’s tropical climate. You might also consider flood insurance, since this typically requires a separate policy.
Safeguard Against Unexpected Holiday Hazards
The holidays bring plenty of joy, but they can also introduce unusual hazards. Here are a few extra precautions to keep your celebrations this year safe and stress-free.
Watch for Food Safety Issues
If you’re hosting, take precautions to prevent foodborne illness. Cook meats thoroughly, keep perishable foods refrigerated, and ensure any leftovers are properly refrigerated or stored.
Be Cautious with Outdoor Decorations
In addition to securing outdoor decorations against weather, make sure any electrical decorations are rated for outdoor use to avoid short-circuiting or fire risks. Use ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets for any lights or electronics placed outside to prevent electrical shocks.
Declutter High-Traffic Areas
‘Tis the season to entertain! With guests coming and going, you’ll want to declutter any areas of your home needing it. Keep entryways and common spaces clear to prevent tripping hazards. Store items like shoes, bags, and decorations neatly out of the way to create a safer, more welcoming environment for everyone.
Avoid Pet Hazards
Pets are often curious about holiday decorations, plants, and food, but some items can be harmful to them. Poinsettias, for example, are toxic to cats and dogs, while certain decorations like tinsel can pose choking hazards. Keep these out of reach from your furry friends. And you can help prevent dog bites by learning how to spot stress in dogs, aka beloved four-legged family members.
Home Safety Tips to Make the Season Merry and Safe
By taking a few simple precautions, you can keep your home safe and secure this holiday season without sacrificing any of the festive cheer. From managing fire risks to securing your property while traveling, these home safety tips help ensure your home is protected.
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and creating memories – don’t let avoidable home hazards get in the way. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a worry-free holiday season, knowing your home and loved ones are safe.
To review your homeowners insurance policy or make sure your home is protected against the most common hazards in Florida, contact your agent or get a quote with Edison Insurance Company now, on our website.
