Calgary Real Estate Blog

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and spending quality moments with loved ones. However, amidst the festivities, it’s easy to overlook the importance of home safety. Whether you’re hosting holiday parties, traveling to visit family, or simply enjoying cozy nights at home, ensuring your property is secure and prepared is essential. From protecting against potential break-ins to preventing seasonal hazards like fires or icy walkways, taking proactive steps now can save you from unwanted stress later.

In this ultimate guide to holiday home safety, we’ll explore practical tips and expert advice to help you safeguard your home and keep your holidays merry and bright. Let’s dive in and make this season a safe one!

Use our quick navigation guide below to jump to any point of our blog on The Best Indoor Plants for Calgary’s Climate: 

• Holiday Safety
• Kitchen and Cooking Safety
• Fire Safety
• Fireplace Safety
• Decorating with Safety
• Christmas Tree Precautions
• Holiday Lighting Safety
• Candle Safety
• Prepared for Winter Emergencies
• Holiday Break in Safety
• Pet SafetySafety for Vulnerable Guests
• Travel Tips
• Party Tips
• Checklist for Holiday Safety
• Christmas Tree Disposal
• Drop-Off Locations for Christmas Trees

Holiday Safety: Tips for a Joyful and Secure Winter Season

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and connection with loved ones. However, it’s also a time when safety risks can arise. With so much on your mind, shopping, cooking, decorating, and hosting, it is easy to overlook important details. A simple checklist can help you stay on top of tasks and ensure your holidays are as safe as they are festive. Here are essential safety tips to guide you this winter season.

Kitchen and Cooking Safety 

The holidays often center around delicious meals and treats, but the kitchen can be a hotspot for potential hazards.

• Stay Alert: Always remain in the kitchen while cooking, especially when using the stove or oven.
• Keep Flammables Away: Ensure dish towels, pot holders, and other items are kept away from hot surfaces.
• Be Prepared: Have a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it in case of an emergency.
• Use a Checklist: Note everything you’re cooking to avoid forgetting dishes on the stove or in the oven.

Fire Safety for Holiday Guests

Hosting guests during the holidays is a wonderful tradition, but it’s essential to prioritize their safety.

• Share Your Escape Plan: Let guests know how to exit your home safely in case of a fire.
• Check Equipment: Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors before visitors arrive.
• Demonstrate Fire Extinguisher Use: Show guests where your fire extinguisher is located and how to operate it.

Fireplace Safety: Keep the Holiday Cheer Safe 

The fireplace adds a warm, festive touch to your home during the holidays, but it’s important to keep it safe and secure to prevent any accidents. Follow these tips to ensure your fireplace remains a cozy and hazard free part of your celebrations.

• Keep the Fireplace Clean: Before lighting a fire, have your chimney cleaned and inspected to prevent creosote buildup, which can cause dangerous chimney fires.
• Use a Screen or Guard: Always use a fireplace screen or guard to keep sparks contained, especially if you’re enjoying a crackling fire with family and friends.
• Burn Proper Firewood: Only burn dry, seasoned firewood. Avoid burning paper or softwoods like pine, which can produce excessive smoke and dangerous sparks.
• Never Leave a Fire Unattended: Always extinguish the fire before leaving the room or going to bed. Ensure it’s fully out to avoid any unexpected flare-ups.
• Clear the Area: Keep holiday decorations, gifts, and the Christmas tree at least three feet away from the fireplace. With all the festive cheer, it's easy to forget that these items are flammable!
• Secure Your Mantle: Avoid placing stockings, garlands, or candles too close to the fire. While they add holiday charm, they can quickly become fire hazards.
• Share Your Escape Plan: Let guests know how to exit your home safely in case of a fire.
• Check Equipment: Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors before visitors arrive.
• Demonstrate Fire Extinguisher Use: Show guests where your fire extinguisher is located and how to operate it.

Decorating with Safety in Mind

Holiday decorations bring festive cheer, but they can also pose fire hazards.

• Choose Flame Resistant Items: Opt for flame resistant or flame retardant decorations.
• Avoid Heat Sources: Keep decorations away from fireplaces, candles, and heaters.
• Secure Placement: Ensure that decorations are not blocking exits or creating tripping hazards.

Christmas Tree Precautions

Christmas trees are a beloved tradition, but they require special care to prevent fire risks. 

• Freshness Matters: A fresh tree has needles that bend and a sticky trunk base. Keep the tree stump in water at all times.
• Placement: Keep your tree at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces and radiators.
• Dispose Promptly: After the holidays, recycle your tree to avoid it becoming a fire hazard.
• For Artificial Trees: Ensure they are made from flame-resistant materials.

Holiday Lighting Safety

Bright, festive lights are a hallmark of the season. Use them responsibly:

• Inspect Before Use: Check for cracked bulbs or frayed wires before hanging.
• Follow Guidelines: Only connect the recommended number of light strings.
• Turn Off Lights: Always switch off indoor and outdoor lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• Create a Checklist: Keep a list of all lighting connections and ensure they meet safety standards before plugging them in.

Candle Safety 

While candles add warmth and ambiance, they can also pose a fire risk.

• Opt for LED Candles: Battery-operated candles offer the same cozy glow without the danger of an open flame.
• Supervise Usage: Never leave children unattended around lit candles.
• Safe Placement: Use sturdy holders and keep candles away from flammable objects like curtains or paper.

Be Prepared for Winter Emergencies

In Calgary, winter storms can disrupt power and make travel difficult. Be prepared with a 72-hour emergency kit that includes:

• Non-perishable food and bottled water
• Flashlights with extra batteries
• Warm clothing and blankets
• First aid supplies

Keep a Checklist: Regularly review and update your emergency kit to ensure it’s fully stocked.

Holiday Break in Safety

The holidays are also a time when break ins are more likely, as many people are away visiting family or on vacation. Here are some tips to keep your home safe:

• Install Motion Sensing Lights: These can deter burglars by making your home appear occupied.
• Lock All Windows and Doors: Double check that all entry points are securely locked before leaving or going to bed.
• Don’t Advertise Your Absence: Avoid posting your vacation plans on social media until you return. Keep your home’s location and absence discreet.
• Ask a Neighbor to Watch Your Home: Have someone collect your mail or park in your driveway to give the appearance of someone being home.
• Set your Indoor Lighting on Timers: Smart lighting allows you to set schedules for your indoor lighting. Set different lights for different times throughout the dark periods of the day.

Pet Safety During the Holidays

Holidays bring special treats and new decorations, but they can also present hazards to your furry friends. Keep your pets safe with these tips: 

• Keep Toxic Foods Out of Reach: Avoid sharing holiday treats like chocolate, grapes, or alcohol with pets, as these can be harmful.
• Secure Decorations: Pets love to explore, so ensure that ornaments, tinsel, and candles are placed out of reach.
• Create a Calm Space: Holiday noise and gatherings can be overwhelming for pets. Provide a quiet space where they can relax.
• Watch for Holiday Plants: Keep poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe away from pets, as they can be toxic if ingested.

Safety for Vulnerable Guests

If you’re hosting elderly relatives or guests with special needs, it’s important to take extra precautions to ensure their safety:

• Clear Pathways: Make sure walkways and entrances are free of ice and obstacles to prevent slips and falls.
• Monitor Indoor Temperatures: Keep indoor spaces warm and check on guests frequently to ensure they’re comfortable, especially during cold weather.
• Check Medication: If guests rely on medication, ensure they have easy access and are taking their prescribed doses.
• Emergency Plan: Review emergency procedures with your vulnerable guests, including how to exit the home safely in case of a fire or other emergencies.

Safe Travel Tips

If you’re heading out of town for the holidays, follow these travel tips to ensure a safe and stress-free journey:

• Check Weather Conditions: Keep an eye on the weather forecast and prepare for winter driving conditions if you’re traveling by car.
• Prepare Your Vehicle: Make sure your car is winter-ready by checking tire pressure, windshield wipers, and fluid levels.
• Travel with Essentials: Pack an emergency kit for your car, including a first aid kit, flashlight, blankets, snacks, and water.
• Book Accommodations Early: Plan ahead for overnight stays and book your accommodations in advance to avoid last-minute surprises.

Holiday Party Tips

If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, here are some tips to keep your party fun and safe:

• Monitor Alcohol Consumption: Make sure guests don’t drink and drive. Offer non-alcoholic beverages and arrange for safe transportation options if needed.
• Keep an Eye on Food Allergies: Ask guests about any allergies or dietary restrictions to ensure everyone can enjoy the meal safely.
• Create a Relaxed Atmosphere: Plan activities that encourage socializing and interaction to keep the party friendly and inclusive.
• Clean Up Spills Quickly: To prevent accidents, quickly clean up any food or drink spills, especially around walking areas.

A Simple Checklist for Holiday Safety

With so much to remember during the holidays, creating a safety checklist can keep you organized and stress-free. Your checklist might include: 

• Testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
• Inspecting holiday lights and replacing damaged wires
• Verifying that your Christmas tree stand is filled with water daily
• Turning off all lights and extinguishing candles before bedtime
• Sharing emergency plans with guests
• Preparing your home for potential break-ins
• Ensuring pet safety around holiday foods and decorations
• Planning for safe travel

Christmas Tree Disposal: A Sustainable Choice

After the holidays, it’s important to dispose of your Christmas tree in an environmentally friendly way. By participating in the city of Calgary's Christmas tree composting program, you can help keep trees out of Calgary's landfills and contribute to a more sustainable holiday season.

Using Your Green Cart for Tree Disposal:

You can easily compost your Christmas tree by following these simple steps:

• Prepare Your Tree: Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, and the tree stand before disposal.
• Cut the Tree into Small Pieces: Ensure the tree fits into your green cart by cutting it into manageable pieces.
• Place in Your Green Cart: Make sure the tree pieces fit comfortably, allowing the cart lid to close securely.
• Full Green Cart? If your green cart is full, place the cut branches in paper yard waste bags, roll the tops closed, and place the bags approximately 0.5 meters (2 feet) from the side of your cart.

Please note: Trees that are not properly prepared (with decorations still attached or not cut into pieces) will not be collected.

Calgary Drop Off Locations for Christmas Trees (Dec. 26 - Jan. 31):

For those who prefer to drop off their trees, there are several temporary locations open from December 26th to January 31st. These are convenient spots for residential use only:

• Auburn Bay Off-Leash Area – 52nd St. and Auburn Bay Dr. S.E.
• Bottomlands Park – St. George's Drive N.E. (soccer field parking lot)
• Bowness – 7937 43rd Ave. N.W. (behind the building)
• Braeside Park – 256 Brookpark Dr. S.W.
• Confederation Park – 905 30th Ave. N.W. (east parking lot)
• Huntington Hills Athletic Park – 7920 4th St. at Huntstrom Dr. N.E.
• IKEA – 8000 11th St. S.E. (northwest corner of parking lot behind store)
• Marda Loop Communities Association – 3130 16th St. S.W.
• North Glenmore Park – 6615 37th St. S.W. (Weaselhead parking lot)
• Park 96 – 14660 Parkland Blvd. S.E.
• Pop Davies/Ogden Athletic Park – Ogden Rd & Millican Rd SE
• Prairie Winds Park – 44 St. and 54 Ave. N.E. (south parking lot)
• Sacramento Parks Depot – 10400 Sacramento Dr. S.W.

Important: Ensure your tree is free of all ornaments, lights, tinsel, and tree stands. Do not wrap or tie your tree in plastic, as it can affect the composting process.

By taking the time to properly dispose of your tree and other holiday waste, you can help reduce landfill contributions and support sustainability efforts in your community.