House guests, travel plans, gift shopping and more. The coming days are jam packed with plenty to prepare for in anticipation of Christmas, but safety can still find a spot on your to-do list with these helpful tips from CAA Saskatchewan.
Christmas Trees and Decorations
Live Christmas trees are a time-honored tradition for many households and can bring a unique ambience to your celebrations this year. However, a thirsty Christmas tree carries the potential for disaster. Create a watering schedule and ensure your live tree always has plenty to drink. A dry tree can go up in flames in mere seconds, so also pay attention to how your tree is fairing and remove it from your home should it begin to dry out.
Fake trees are a safer alternative, especially for busy households that may not have the time for daily watering. Take the time to double check that your fake tree is specified as fire resistant by the manufacturer. No matter what type of tree you choose, always position it away from heat sources such as registers, fireplaces, or space heaters.
While decorating your home, be aware of the potential for accidents while placing candles. Candles should be contained in a fire-proof container, placed away from anything flammable, and in a spot that is not a bump-risk. Candles should also be extinguished before leaving a room, and all matches and lighters should be inaccessible by children. Take a look around your display of decorations and assess whether your candles are placed in a safe spot.
Lights are a staple of Christmas decor. Always inspect your string-lights for signs of overheated bulbs and shorting sockets and ensure that all cords are intact without fraying or exposed wires. It is recommended to avoid older incandescent style bulbs when possible- especially on your Christmas tree. Instead, opt for modern LED type lights which run at much cooler temperatures and draw less power.
What better sight is there than a pile of gifts under a beautifully decorated Christmas tree? Children agree, as do parents, aunts, uncles, and burglars looking for a big score. If displaying gifts under your tree, try to prevent a clear line of sight through your windows. Ne'er-do-wells may sneak a peek while nobody's home and if presents are prominently displayed to an easily accessible window, it could be as tempting as a ringing dinner bell.
Away for the Holidays
Reviewing your home's insurance policy is never a bad idea. Doing so before the holidays can provide you the relief of a back-up plan in case the unimaginable happens. It is especially important if you plan to be away from your home for an extended period of time. Make sure you have a list of recent purchases in the case of theft or fire, and that your policy has adequate coverage to replace your belongings if you must file a claim.
To prepare for an extended trip during the winter, it's a good idea to turn off the main source of water for your home before departing. You may find additional peace of mind by draining any remaining water from the lines to prevent damaged pipes in the case of a furnace failure. Double check the security of your home before leaving by ensuring that all windows are fully shut and locked, and that sliding windows or doors are blocked with track bars.
Kevin Mccallister was on to something with his iconic mannequin party. To help prevent prying eyes from taking an interest in your empty home, try to make it appear as though it's occupied. New smart bulbs can be programmed to operate on a schedule which can provide the appearance that there is activity in your home. You may also try older style timers, but creating a schedule with smart bulbs can produce an even more convincing effect. You could also ask a neighbor or hire a third party to remove the snow from your sidewalks, steps, and driveway while you're gone. Making arrangements to suspend mail delivery can also stop flyers and newspapers from piling up, which is another sure sign that nobody is home.
We love to share what we are doing with our friends and family, especially while going on an exciting trip. Technology has made that easier than ever. We can upload photos, videos, and status updates sharing our current whereabouts in just a few simple taps. Be mindful of what you share using social media, and what is publicly available online. Announcing your departure from an airport or displaying that you are currently sipping Mai-Tais on a beach could make your home a target for theft if the wrong people stumble across that information.
A majority of car thefts that occur are due to cars being left unlocked with the keys either inside, or easily accessible. Utilize manual locks on electric garage doors, if available, and always lock vehicles stored in a garage with the keys stored inside your locked house.
Hitting the Highway
The weather in Southeast Saskatchewan has been unusually warm thanks to a strong El Nino. This has produced fair driving conditions for most of the season, but unpredictable patches when the weather has flipped between warm and cold. Utilizing winter tires can provide that extra bit of grip you need while coming across these unexpected slippery spots. Sudden drops in temperature can also reveal vehicle issues that have gone unnoticed due to the relatively fair weather. In a cold snap, older vehicle batteries may not be able to provide the "juice" needed to start a cold engine. Many auto parts stores and most mechanics can check the health of your battery before departing, which could save you from being stranded in an unfamiliar place.
Phantom Vehicles pose a serious risk to highway drivers, especially during inclement weather. A Phantom Vehicle is one that does not turn on their headlights during sunset, sunrise, or poor visibility conditions, making them almost impossible to see from behind. See and be seen by others by always turning on your headlights during these times, and by utilizing hazard lights if travelling below the speed that traffic is flowing.
Always check road conditions before departing, and account for the possibility of delays when planning your trip. Always drive according to what weather conditions will allow, even if you are running late. Aunt Rudy might end up getting the last Christmas cookie, but at least you will arrive at the family gathering safely.
Fill up your gas tank before highway driving and try to keep a minimum of half a tank in case of emergencies. Stocking an emergency kit for your vehicle can also be a saving grace while traversing Saskatchewan's remote highways. CAA has made a handy list of what to include in your emergency kit, which can be found HERE. Additionally, inform others of when you depart and when you expect to arrive at your destination, and check in with those parties at opportune times such as during bathroom breaks, meals, or while refueling.
Travel safe this Christmas and enjoy a merry holiday season!
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