Decorating for the holidays is one of the joys of the season around Albany and Corvallis, but it's important to remember good safety practices while you deck your home out for the season. It only takes a few extra minutes to practice good safety habits, which is time well spent if it helps protect your home and family during the holidays. Our real estate agents are here to help, with practical tips on safe holiday decorating.

Holiday Decorating Safety Tips

Inspect Decorations

Hanging lights is one of the best parts of decorating for the holidays, but old or broken lights can also be a serious safety risk. Always check your lights for broken bulbs, cracked sockets, damaged wires, or loose connections. Discarding and replacing broken lights before you start decorating is key for safety. Inspect other decorations before placing them as well, especially any decoration with lights or electrical connections.

Practice Ladder Safety

Decorating safely isn't just about protecting your home. When it comes to ladder safety, it's also about protecting yourself. Always inspect your ladder before use, and make sure it's placed on a stable, level surface before climbing. When climbing, wear shoes with a good grip, avoid using ladders outdoors in bad weather, and always maintain three points of contact (hands and feet) on the ladder. For added safety, make sure at least one other person is nearby in case of emergency.

Prevent Electrical Overloads

With so many lights and other powered decorations, electrical overloads are a real risk when decorating for the holidays. The most common cause for electrical overloads is plugging too many items into one electrical socket, often by using added connectors or power strips. Reduce your risk by planning your decorating based on the available number of outlets and spreading your electrical connections around accordingly. If pressed for outlet space, you can use an extension cord to plug into a more distant outlet, rather than overloading a closer, more convenient one.

Use Outdoor Decorations Correctly

Many types of outdoor decorations can cause safety risks if used incorrectly. Always read instructions before placing outdoor decorations, especially for larger and powered decorations. Inspect outdoor decorations before placing them, and always avoid placing decorations in locations near power lines. For inflatables and other large outdoor decorations, make sure that they're always secured properly to the ground. Protect yourself, as well, by asking for help moving and placing large, heavy, or awkwardly shaped outdoor decorations.

Be Cautions With Candles

Candles are great for adding atmosphere, but they can also create fire risks in the home. Always keep candles away from other decorations, and never light a candle near your tree. Instead, keep candles in safe places where they're unlikely to be knocked over. Check that candles, lighters, and matches are kept out of reach of children. Always make sure that candles are blown out before leaving the home or going to sleep for the evening.

Safe Storage and Cleanup for Decorations

When cleaning up decorations, make sure to practice the same ladder and personal safety tips that we've covered so far. Separate and organize decorations as you store them, to reduce fire risk and keep them safe for next year. For smaller decorations, plastic containers with dividers are a great option. They're easy to move, stackable, and keep your decorations safe.

Shopping for a home where your family can enjoy future holiday seasons? Start your search with our new listings in Albany and new listings in Corvallis to find your match. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Albany and Corvallis, OR region.