Ignite FB Tracking PixelHow to keep your home safe during the holidays - Vincent Zhang

How to keep your home safe during the holidays

by Vincent Zhang 12/04/2023

Winter holidays are a festive time when folks gather and celebrate. Part of the fun of these holidays is being able to decorate your home and host dinners or other meals. However, with this excitement comes certain risks you and your household should be aware of.

Keep these tips in mind, so you can spend the holiday season safely in your home.

Check electrical equipment and decorations

If you're going to put up holiday lights inside or outside your home, make sure they're in good condition before using them. Check bulbs, wires and plugs for any with damage or in bad shape. Only use lights marked for outdoor use on the exterior of your home and lights marked for interior use inside your home.

Avoid putting any nails through cords or wires when hanging lights and other electrical decorations. Also avoid overloading any outlets, and turn your lights off when you won't be home.

Use candles safely

Festive candles, such as cinnamon or pine-scented candles, can add a cozy ambiance to your home during the holiday season. If you're going to be using candles, always keep them far away from any flammable objects or materials.

Put lit candles out of the reach of kids and pets to prevent burns and fires, and never leave these candles unattended while they're burning. Store lighters and matches in a place where pets and kids can't reach them.

Prevent kitchen fires

Kitchen fires are a common hazard during the holiday season as people prepare big meals while also entertaining guests. If you're going to be cooking for the holidays, never leave your stove unattended. If you're using the oven, check on it regularly to make sure nothing is burning. Keep kids and pets out of the kitchen to lower the risk of accidents, including burns from hot foods and liquids.

Choose safe decorations

Some holiday decorations can break easily or have sharp edges on them, while others can be toxic for kids and pets. Avoid having poinsettias or other poisonous plants. Instead, try decorating with artificial versions of festive plants. Remember, any live plants should be watered regularly to prevent possible fire hazards.

About the Author
Author

Vincent Zhang

I am a real estate broker, property manager, and investor, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. To each client, I bring close to a decade of experience in real estate, first as a real estate investor, then manager, and now love to share my experience and knowledge with property buyers and sellers as a real estate broker. Since attending the University of Michigan in 2005, I have lived in Ann Arbor ever since. My exceptional knowledge of the market as an investor and property manager provides a unique perspective and competitive advantage to my clients for selling and buying both residential and investment properties.

I have successfully managed investment properties in Ypsilanti and Kalamazoo and have conducted real estate transactions throughout southeast Michigan. Whether clients are looking for their first home, vacation homes, or the home of their dreams, I will be able to stay on top of the process, remove obstacles and make the real estate deals as pleasurable as possible. I enjoy working with people and finding ways to share a laugh or two in the process. I take pride in being available to my clients and being responsive to their needs.

In addition to my residential property expertise, and my multicultural background, I am capable of working with international investors and home buyers to make their international property purchases smoother and trouble-free. If you are interested in the acquisition of investment homes for your children while they attend the University of Michigan, as a property manager, investor, and broker, I will be able to help you make that reality come true.

I graduated from the University of Michigan and own and operate several businesses in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. In addition to my real estate experience, I am also a technology enthusiast and am always on the hunt to use technology and media to enhance the buying and selling experience. 

If you are looking to make your first home purchase, or are trying to sell your home, give me a call and I can guide you through the services that I can offer you to help you start along the journey. I take great pride in my work and it would be an honor for me to represent you and your needs.

Yours truly, Vincent Zhang