It’s that time of year when you have a ton of things to do. You may be planning parties, getting ready for out-of-town guests, or trying to decide how to add a few more tasks into your calendar. This can be a very daunting time, but you need to take a deep breath and get focused.
These are tips that should help you stay grounded during the holidays and ensure you and your family or business remain safe:
- If getting a live tree, make sure you keep it watered. This is very important a live tree needs to stay hydrated. You will know the difference because the branches will stay green and have a spongy consistency. When the tree is dry, the branches are brittle, a dull gray color and will start falling off. A dry tree makes fire more prevalent.
- Check your lights. If you have had your holiday decorations stored in a climate-controlled unit all year, once you pull them out, you need to plug in each string to make sure they are all working correctly, there are no shortages or blown bulbs. If you find an issue with any of your lights, do not use them. You may also want to invest in LED lighting. These lights are safer, brighter and can be used indoors or outdoors.
- Do not place live trees close to outlets or flammable areas such as fireplaces. Live trees are susceptible to catch fire, which could put you, your guests or your businesses in jeopardy.
- When placing lights outdoors, make sure you connect them with a GFI circuit. Following the guidelines of your power company can help you make the correct assessment on which lights to use and how to conserve energy during the holiday.
- Watch the food. When you have large events going on, there is a tendency to leave food out for long periods of time. Don’t do it! Bringing food out as you need it is healthier and safer. You want to avoid any bacteria-prone situations. Keep the food heated properly and refrigerated when needed. Do not leave food out for more than two hours at a time.
Additional Tips to help your event go smoothly:
- If having a huge event, having a portable storage unit on the premises can give you space to move or add furniture when needed, store additional tables and even provide a space for the caterers to use.
- When you know you have a lot of events coming up, using a wine storage unit temporarily can give you time to acquire everything you need, having it in one place. Buying your supplies over time and storing it can be significantly cheaper than having to buy everything at one time during the holiday season when prices are higher. Remaining cost conscious is important.
- When shopping, be aware of your surroundings and do not leave bags in your vehicle.
Following these tips should help your holidays remain safe and enjoyable. Always remember, being safe in whatever you do is better than paying the price later. Happy holidays!
