The holidays are a time of joy, warmth, and celebration but they’re also one of the busiest times for restoration companies. Fires, water damage, and electrical issues spike during December, often due to overlooked safety risks. At RestoPros, we want to help you enjoy a safe and worry-free season. Here are essential Christmas safety tips to help you avoid holiday hazards.

1. Be Smart with Christmas Lights
-
Inspect before you plug in: Look for frayed wires, broken sockets, or damaged plugs.
-
Don’t overload outlets: Too many decorations on one circuit can cause overheating or electrical fires.
-
Use outdoor-rated lights outside: Indoor lights aren’t weatherproof and can short-circuit in wet or snowy conditions.
-
Turn them off before bed: Use timers to automatically shut off lights at night or when you’re away.
2. Mind Your Tree
-
Water real trees daily: Dry trees catch fire fast. A well-watered tree is a safer tree.
-
Keep it away from heat sources: Avoid placing your tree near fireplaces, radiators, or space heaters.
-
Use flame-retardant decorations: Especially if you’re using candles nearby (though we recommend battery-operated alternatives).
3. Watch Out for Fire Hazards
-
Never leave candles unattended: Even one small candle can lead to a major disaster if forgotten.
-
Clean your fireplace before use: Built-up soot can ignite and spread quickly.
-
Have a fire extinguisher nearby: Especially in the kitchen, where many holiday accidents begin.
4. Prevent Frozen Pipes
-
Keep your home at least 55°F, even if you’re traveling.
-
Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.
-
Let faucets drip slightly to prevent pressure buildup in frozen pipes.
5. Plan Ahead for Emergencies
-
Know where your main water shutoff is.
-
Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your local restoration company.
-
Check your insurance policy to ensure you’re covered for common holiday mishaps like burst pipes or fire damage.
From Our Family to Yours…
We hope your holiday season is filled with warmth, laughter, and peace of mind. But if the unexpected happens, RestoPros of Hudson County is here 24/7 to help restore your home and your holiday cheer.
