The holidays should be a time to relax, enjoy time with loved ones, and soak in the magic of the season. But between decorating, online shopping, hosting, and colder weather, this time of year also brings a set of safety concerns that are easy to overlook.

To make things simpler, we’ve pulled together our best holiday safety articles in one place. Below, you’ll find tips on preventing fires, avoiding theft, protecting your pets, and keeping your home secure – plus links to in-depth guides for anyone who wants to dig deeper.

Fire safety & decorating tips

Holiday décor can instantly make your home feel festive, but it’s also one of the most common sources of seasonal accidents. From overloaded outlets to dry Christmas trees, a little planning can dramatically reduce fire risks.

A few reminders to keep in mind:

• Check your lights for frayed cords or broken bulbs before hanging them.
• Water live trees daily, as dry trees ignite quickly and burn fast.
• Keep candles away from flammable décor, and never leave them unattended.
• Use a stable ladder and avoid decorating alone, especially when working outdoors.

For more detailed guidance, explore these resources:

• Holiday and Christmas Tree Fire Safety
• Common Holiday Hazards & How to Prevent Them
• Winter Holidays Home Safety Tips
• Four Safety Tips for Holiday Decorators
• Fire Safety Tips for Holiday Trees & Ornaments
• The 12 Ways of Holiday Safety
• Tips for Taking Down Holiday Decorations

These posts offer step-by-step tips to help you decorate confidently, prevent common mishaps, and keep your home glowing safely all season long.

Security tips for shopping, deliveries & travel

The holiday season is prime time for scams and theft – both online and at home. With more people shopping digitally, traveling, and receiving package deliveries, it’s important to take a few basic precautions.

Here are a few ways to stay ahead of holiday thieves:

• Use secure websites and strong passwords when shopping online.
• Track packages closely and consider using lockers or secure delivery options.
• Avoid posting travel plans publicly, which can signal that your home is empty.
• Make your home look lived in with lights on timers or a monitored security system.

These guides offer practical advice for safer shopping and travel:

• Online Christmas Shopping Security
• Don’t Let Package Thieves Steal Your Holiday Cheer
• Tips from Law Enforcement to Keep Real-Life Grinches Away
• Holiday Home Security & Online Safety
• 5 Security Tips for the Holidays
• Holiday Season Safety Tips
• ’Tis the Season for Holiday Home Safety
• 10 Security Lessons from Home Alone

Whether you’re preparing for a big shopping weekend or leaving town to visit family, these articles offer simple steps to keep your property protected and your holiday stress levels low.

Keeping pets safe around holiday hazards

The holidays can bring lots of tempting items into your home: shiny ornaments, tasty treats, dangling cords, and new plants. For curious cats and dogs, all of this can be irresistible and sometimes dangerous.

A few pet-safe reminders:

• Secure your tree to prevent it from tipping if a pet jumps or climbs.
• Skip toxic plants like poinsettias, lilies, and mistletoe.
• Keep food and drinks out of reach, especially chocolate, alcohol, grapes, and xylitol.
• Provide a quiet space if your home gets noisy or crowded.

For more pet-specific tips, check out:

• Cats, Dogs & Christmas Trees: Holiday Safety with Pets
• 6 Pet Safety Tips for the Holidays

These guides help you enjoy all the festive fun while keeping your four-legged family members safe and stress-free.

Stay safe, stay festive

A little preparation can make a big difference in how smoothly your holiday season goes. Whether you’re untangling lights, managing deliveries, or keeping pets out of mischief, these resources offer friendly, practical guidance for a safer home.

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