Holiday hosting? Here’s a home safety checklist to prevent hosting disasters I PEMCO

The holidays are all about joy, connection, and cozy gatherings, but nothing ruins the vibe faster than a burst pipe, a kitchen fire, or a blown fuse. Before you welcome friends and family into your home, take a few smart steps to prevent common hazards that spike during the season. Here’s our go-to guide for preventing holiday headaches. 

Prevent water damage, indoors and out 

Water damage doesn’t always come from a storm or a frozen pipe; it can start with a slow drip under the sink, a flimsy appliance hose, or an ignored water heater. And during the holidays, when your home is working overtime, the risk increases. The best way to ensure you have peace of mind before your friends and family stop by, adding more pressure to the system, is to take preventable measures.  

Indoor water damage risks 

• Inspect under sinks, toilets, and water heater for signs of leaks, corrosion, or loose fittings. 
• Check appliance hoses (washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators) for cracks or bulges. Replace plastic hoses with braided metal where possible.  
• Test your sump pump if you have one, especially before a big storm or snowmelt. If you haven’t yet, get a sump pump alarm. If you have one already, check the batteries.  
• Know where your main water shut-off valve is and make sure it’s accessible in case of emergency. 
• Install smart water sensors near high-risk areas like water heaters, laundry rooms, and under sinks. They can alert you to leaks before they become disasters. 

Outdoor & Seasonal Risks 

• Insulate exposed pipes in basements, garages, and crawl spaces to prevent freezing and bursting. 
• Disconnect garden hoses and shut off exterior faucets before the first freeze. 
• Cover exterior waterspouts with insulated covers to prevent frozen pipes. 
• Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams and roof leaks. 
• Check your roof, attic, and crawl spaces for signs of water intrusion, poor insulation or mold. 

Home fire safety: put the damper on fire risk 

The holidays bring warmth, light, and celebration, but they also bring a spike in home fire risks. Between festive cooking, candles, space heaters, and overloaded outlets, your home is working overtime. And with guests in the mix, distractions are easy. For the love of prevention, here are some tips so you don’t overload the cheer: 

Electrical fires 

• Avoid outlet overloads. Use power strips with surge protection and never daisy chain extension cords. Most people don’t know, but you should replace your surge protectors every two years; you may be overdue.  
• Inspect holiday lights for frayed wires or cracked sockets before hanging. 
• Keep cords away from heat sources and walkways to prevent damage and tripping. 
• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, especially in bedrooms and near the kitchen. If you haven’t yet changed the batteries this year, give them a fresh set.  
• Call an electrician if your breakers trip often, it’s a sign your system needs a pro check. 

Kitchen fires 

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking, especially when frying or broiling. 
• Keep flammable items (like towels, oven mitts, and paper goods) away from the stove. 
• Clean your oven and stovetop to prevent grease buildup. 
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it. We also recommend keeping a fire blanket on hand.  

More fire hazards  

• Inspect for dryer lint buildup. Clean the lint trap after every load and check the vent hose regularly. 
• Be cautious when using candles. Keep them away from flammable items and never leave them unattended. Better yet, opt for battery operated candles. They add ambience without the risk.  
• Maintain your fireplaces. Get chimneys inspected annually and use a screen to catch embers. 
• Use caution when using space heaters. Keep them at least 3 feet from anything flammable and never plug into extension cords. 

Guest safety (and liability) 

• Clear walkways of clutter, snow, or ice. 
• Secure rugs and cords to prevent tripping. 
• Keep stairways well-lit. 
• Store cleaning supplies and medications out of reach of children. 

Peace of mind Is the best gift 

Hosting for the holidays should be joyful, not stressful. By preparing your home with safety in mind, you and your guests can enjoy your holiday season, free from the worry of preventable hazards.