Avoid These Holiday Hazards

The holidays bring enough stress. Here are some FAQs to help you avoid the preventable kind.
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Is my Christmas tree a fire hazard?

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‍Yes, if it's dry. Fresh trees are generally fine if you water them daily. But once the needles start falling and the branches feel brittle, it's a fire hazard. Keep it at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, or space heaters. And if you're using lights, check for frayed wires and don't overload outlets.
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What about candles?

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‍According to the NFPA, December is the peak month for candle fires. If you're using them, keep them away from anything flammable - curtains, decorations, wrapping paper. Never leave them unattended in a room where kids or pets are running around. And blow them out before you go to bed or leave the house. Battery-operated candles exist for a reason.
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Is deep-frying a turkey dangerous?

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‍Yes. Outdoor turkey fryers cause dozens of fires, burns, and property damage incidents every year. If you're going to do it, do it outside, far from your house, garage, or deck. Don't overfill the oil, and make sure the turkey is completely thawed. Or just play it safe and roast it in the oven.
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What about kitchen safety?

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‍Thanksgiving sees three times the daily average of cooking fires. Most happen because someone leaves the stove or oven unattended while distracted by guests, football, or drinks. Set timers. And keep anything flammable (dish towels, oven mitts, food packaging) away from burners.
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How do I keep my house safe while I'm traveling?

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‍First off, don't broadcast that you're gone. Use timers for interior and exterior lights so it looks like someone's home. Hold off on posting vacation photos on social media until you're back. If you have security cameras or a doorbell cam, make sure they're working before you leave. Also, double-check that you've locked your doors and windows. It sounds obvious, but a lot of break-ins happen because people forget.
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How can I protect my mail and packages?

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‍If you're expecting deliveries while you're away, reroute them to a locker, hold them at the carrier facility, or ask a neighbor to grab them. 
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Is my house ready for the cold?

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‍If you're traveling, either leave your heat at 55°F minimum or shut off your main water supply and drain the pipes. Open the cabinet doors under sinks so warm air can circulate around the pipes. A burst pipe can can be a costly accident.
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What about space heaters?

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‍Keep them at least three feet away from anything that can burn - furniture, curtains, bedding. Never leave them running unattended or while you're asleep. And don't plug them into power strips or extension cords; always plug them directly into the wall.
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Do I really need to test my smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?

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‍Yes. Most people don't, and that's how preventable deaths happen. Test them now, replace dead batteries, and if your detectors are more than 10 years old, replace them entirely. Carbon monoxide detectors are especially important if you're using a fireplace, gas appliances, or running a generator. Don't skip this one.
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Should I review my homeowners insurance?

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‍Most people assume they're fully covered until something goes wrong. Covered can review your policy and help you explore options that may better fit your needs.

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