Holidays

Scott McGillivray Reveals 10 Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your Home Safe During the Holidays

December 11, 2018 Scott McGillivray

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year – but it can also be one of the most dangerous! Keep your home safe this holiday season by avoiding these 10 mistakes.

Scott McGillivray is a real estate expert and host of HGTV Canada's Income Property and Moving the McGillivrays.

Holidays

Scott McGillivray Reveals 10 Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your Home Safe During the Holidays

December 11, 2018 Scott McGillivray

Holiday Decorations on the Roof

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Holiday Decorations on the Roof
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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Those big inflatable Santas and reindeer are fun, but in snowy, windy weather, installing them on the roof can pose a risk to yourself. So as much as you might want to recreate a fun holiday scene by the chimney, you’re better off sticking with the front lawn. Feeling inspired to decorate? Check out these <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/holidays/photos/outdoor-christmas-decoration-ideas-1910140/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 outdoor Christmas decoration ideas that will help your house stand out</a>.

HolidaysScott McGillivray Reveals 10 Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your Home Safe During the Holidays

Holiday Decorations on the Roof

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Those big inflatable Santas and reindeer are fun, but in snowy, windy weather, installing them on the roof can pose a risk to yourself. So as much as you might want to recreate a fun holiday scene by the chimney, you’re better off sticking with the front lawn. Feeling inspired to decorate? Check out these <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/holidays/photos/outdoor-christmas-decoration-ideas-1910140/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 outdoor Christmas decoration ideas that will help your house stand out</a>.

Photo Credit: Getty Images
Ice Build-Up on Walkways and Driveways

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Ice Build-Up on Walkways and Driveways
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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Everyone hates shoveling snow, but you’ve got to do it. Not only for your family, but for all your guests visiting during the holidays. They need a clear, safe path to the door. Keep salt or kitty litter close by so you can put some down when it gets icy. Going away this holiday season? <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/10-ways-to-prevent-break-ins-during-the-holidays-1053048/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Here are 10 ways to prevent break-ins during the holidays</a>.

HolidaysScott McGillivray Reveals 10 Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your Home Safe During the Holidays

Ice Build-Up on Walkways and Driveways

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Everyone hates shoveling snow, but you’ve got to do it. Not only for your family, but for all your guests visiting during the holidays. They need a clear, safe path to the door. Keep salt or kitty litter close by so you can put some down when it gets icy. Going away this holiday season? <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/photos/10-ways-to-prevent-break-ins-during-the-holidays-1053048/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Here are 10 ways to prevent break-ins during the holidays</a>.

Photo Credit: Getty Images
Using Unsecured Ladders

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Using Unsecured Ladders
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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Decorating your home often requires a bit of a climb, whether it’s to reach the top of the tree or to hang exterior lights. So, whether you’re inside or out, be responsible and make sure the ladder is secure and you have a spotter. Never climb ladders when you’re alone and make sure they’re stable before you take that first step up. While we’ve got you thinking about safety, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/scott-mcgillivray/photos/scott-mcgillivrays-ways-make-your-home-safer-1922252/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">here are 7 ways to make your home safer that you never considered</a>.

HolidaysScott McGillivray Reveals 10 Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your Home Safe During the Holidays

Using Unsecured Ladders

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Decorating your home often requires a bit of a climb, whether it’s to reach the top of the tree or to hang exterior lights. So, whether you’re inside or out, be responsible and make sure the ladder is secure and you have a spotter. Never climb ladders when you’re alone and make sure they’re stable before you take that first step up. While we’ve got you thinking about safety, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/scott-mcgillivray/photos/scott-mcgillivrays-ways-make-your-home-safer-1922252/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">here are 7 ways to make your home safer that you never considered</a>.

Photo Credit: Getty Images
Unsafe Christmas Trees

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Unsafe Christmas Trees
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Photo Credit: Getty Images

If you get a real tree, make sure it’s fresh in order to reduce the risk of fire hazards. If it’s artificial, make sure it’s flame retardant. And never, ever use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity if the lights are faulty; and if someone touches a branch, they could be electrocuted.

HolidaysScott McGillivray Reveals 10 Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your Home Safe During the Holidays

Unsafe Christmas Trees

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If you get a real tree, make sure it’s fresh in order to reduce the risk of fire hazards. If it’s artificial, make sure it’s flame retardant. And never, ever use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity if the lights are faulty; and if someone touches a branch, they could be electrocuted.

Photo Credit: Getty Images
Damaged String Lights

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Damaged String Lights
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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Those holiday string lights are the bane of my existence. It seems like every year I have to buy new ones because last year’s don’t work. However, it’s better to buy new than to risk using damaged lights. Always check for frayed wires, damaged sockets and gaps in the protective insulation. If they’re damaged, DO NOT use them. They can pose a serious fire hazard.

HolidaysScott McGillivray Reveals 10 Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your Home Safe During the Holidays

Damaged String Lights

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Those holiday string lights are the bane of my existence. It seems like every year I have to buy new ones because last year’s don’t work. However, it’s better to buy new than to risk using damaged lights. Always check for frayed wires, damaged sockets and gaps in the protective insulation. If they’re damaged, DO NOT use them. They can pose a serious fire hazard.

Photo Credit: Getty Images
Overloading Electrical Circuits

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Overloading Electrical Circuits
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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Lights are a big part of holiday decorating, but you need to be cautious. Don’t plug too many into the same outlet. Also, keep in mind that it’s generally not a good idea to plug different types of light sets together. For example, don’t plug one of your old incandescent light strings into a new LED set.

HolidaysScott McGillivray Reveals 10 Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your Home Safe During the Holidays

Overloading Electrical Circuits

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Lights are a big part of holiday decorating, but you need to be cautious. Don’t plug too many into the same outlet. Also, keep in mind that it’s generally not a good idea to plug different types of light sets together. For example, don’t plug one of your old incandescent light strings into a new LED set.

Photo Credit: Getty Images
Extension Cord Misuse

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Extension Cord Misuse
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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Never plug a space heater into an extension cord or power bar. Plug it directly into a wall outlet and always turn it off before leaving the room. And when you do use an extension cord – for lights or electronics – don’t run them under rugs. Instead, put them next to the wall so there’s no tripping hazard. And never connect more than one extension cord together.

HolidaysScott McGillivray Reveals 10 Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your Home Safe During the Holidays

Extension Cord Misuse

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Never plug a space heater into an extension cord or power bar. Plug it directly into a wall outlet and always turn it off before leaving the room. And when you do use an extension cord – for lights or electronics – don’t run them under rugs. Instead, put them next to the wall so there’s no tripping hazard. And never connect more than one extension cord together.

Photo Credit: Getty Images
Stapling Lights

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Stapling Lights
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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Never mount lights in a way that could damage the cord’s protective insulation. This includes using staples, nails or tacks. Instead, string them through hooks, use plastic clips or secure them with insulated tape. It’s tempting to just staple them in because it’s fast, but the risk isn’t worth the speed and convenience.

HolidaysScott McGillivray Reveals 10 Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your Home Safe During the Holidays

Stapling Lights

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Never mount lights in a way that could damage the cord’s protective insulation. This includes using staples, nails or tacks. Instead, string them through hooks, use plastic clips or secure them with insulated tape. It’s tempting to just staple them in because it’s fast, but the risk isn’t worth the speed and convenience.

Photo Credit: Getty Images
Trees Near Heat Sources

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Trees Near Heat Sources
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Every classic holiday photo shows a Christmas tree next to a fireplace. Sure, it’s pretty and festive, but it’s also a serious fire hazard. Sparks and embers can fly out of the fireplace; and if they hit the tree, there could be trouble. Always keep trees away from heat sources, including fireplaces, heat vents and candles. Holidays stressing you out? <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/15-tricks-to-instantly-de-stress-at-home-1905901/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Here are 15 tricks to instantly de-stress at home</a>.

HolidaysScott McGillivray Reveals 10 Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your Home Safe During the Holidays

Trees Near Heat Sources

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Every classic holiday photo shows a Christmas tree next to a fireplace. Sure, it’s pretty and festive, but it’s also a serious fire hazard. Sparks and embers can fly out of the fireplace; and if they hit the tree, there could be trouble. Always keep trees away from heat sources, including fireplaces, heat vents and candles. Holidays stressing you out? <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/15-tricks-to-instantly-de-stress-at-home-1905901/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Here are 15 tricks to instantly de-stress at home</a>.
Not Checking Smoke and CO2 Detectors

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Not Checking Smoke and CO2 Detectors
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Photo Credit: Getty Images

It’s always important to keep your smoke and CO2 detectors in working order, but it’s worthwhile to do an extra check near the holidays. With all the extra cooking, strings of lights, candles and so on, you want to make sure you’re well protected. Make sure you’ve got them on every level of the house and most definitely near sleeping areas. Need more <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/mike-holmes/photos/mike-holmes-top-10-tips-to-make-your-home-safe-this-winter-1911051/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">tips to make your home safe this winter? Check out Mike Holmes’ suggestions</a>.

HolidaysScott McGillivray Reveals 10 Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your Home Safe During the Holidays

Not Checking Smoke and CO2 Detectors

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READ LESS -

It’s always important to keep your smoke and CO2 detectors in working order, but it’s worthwhile to do an extra check near the holidays. With all the extra cooking, strings of lights, candles and so on, you want to make sure you’re well protected. Make sure you’ve got them on every level of the house and most definitely near sleeping areas. Need more <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/mike-holmes/photos/mike-holmes-top-10-tips-to-make-your-home-safe-this-winter-1911051/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">tips to make your home safe this winter? Check out Mike Holmes’ suggestions</a>.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Scott McGillivray Reveals 10 Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your Home Safe During the Holidays

December 11, 2018 Scott McGillivray

Scott McGillivray Reveals 10 Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your Home Safe During the Holidays

Holiday Decorations on the Roof

Holiday Decorations on the Roof

Holiday Decorations on the Roof

Ice Build-Up on Walkways and Driveways

Ice Build-Up on Walkways and Driveways

Ice Build-Up on Walkways and Driveways

Using Unsecured Ladders

Using Unsecured Ladders

Using Unsecured Ladders

Unsafe Christmas Trees

Unsafe Christmas Trees

Unsafe Christmas Trees

Damaged String Lights

Damaged String Lights

Damaged String Lights

Overloading Electrical Circuits

Overloading Electrical Circuits

Overloading Electrical Circuits

Extension Cord Misuse

Extension Cord Misuse

Extension Cord Misuse

Stapling Lights

Stapling Lights

Stapling Lights

Trees Near Heat Sources

Trees Near Heat Sources

Trees Near Heat Sources

Not Checking Smoke and CO2 Detectors

Not Checking Smoke and CO2 Detectors

Not Checking Smoke and CO2 Detectors