3 tips on how to keep your family and home safe this holiday season

The excitement of the Christmas holiday is one everyone looks forward to. Families and friends gather to set up decorations and indulge in festive lunches and dinners. Indeed Christmas is here! Sadly, the holiday cheer and celebrations also bring with it many dangers such as concerns with security and electrical dangers.

Here are 3 tips on how to keep your family and home safe this holiday season.

1. Caution with Christmas Lights

Did you know Christmas lights can easily become unsafe after being packed away for months without use? Some of the most common fire hazards during the holidays are thus caused by unsafe Christmas lights. So here’s what to do before you string up old lights: check for worn out cords and dispose of them. When setting up new lights, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on voltage requirements and use information.

Electrical Safety First, Uk also makes the following recommendations:

• use only replacement bulbs of the same type and rating as those originally supplied with the lights
• ensure all outdoor lights are connected via a 30mA RCD protected socket
• replace failed lamps immediately to prevent overheating
• ensure plugs and transformers are plugged in indoors, even if the lighting is suitable for outdoor use
• switch your lights off and unplug them before you go to bed or go out
• keep lights away from flammable decorations and materials that can burn easily
• use a fire extinguisher and make sure yours is accessible and unexpired.

2. Security

Criminals keep watch and wait for a window of opportunity to breach your security. Always take an extra minute to double-check that all doors are locked and windows are securely shut. Do not hide keys under doormats and keep important items out of sight. Where possible, set up security cameras connected to your mobile device so that you can monitor the security of your home remotely.

3. Keep Your Home Active

When the cat’s away, the mice come to play! Your home is prone to theft when your home is so quiet that it communicates your absence. An excellent tip to keep an apparent appearance of someone at home is to use timed lamps – they will switch on and off during set periods.

Express UK suggests the following ways to keep your home looking busy when you’re not in:

• Leaving hallway lights on
• Ask neighbours to move bins on the driveway to mimic the daily activity
• Leave your car on the driveway – use public transport to travel this Christmas
• Ask a friend or neighbour to move any built-up post out of sight

There is very little to worry about when you live in a Quao Realty estate. All our projects are located in safe neighbourhoods with the added benefit of round the clock security. We ensure that all visitors of the estate go through thorough security protocols to ensure the safety of our clients. If you are looking for a secure home this new year, check out our newest project, The Essence.

Compliments of the season to you! Have a Merry and Safe Holiday Season.