4 Ways To Keep Your Family Safe This Holiday Season

The holidays are here, and that means spending quality time with your family and making memories that will last a lifetime. While you're busy making shopping lists and decorating your home, it's easy to forget safety preparations. Here are four safety tasks you should check off your list this year:

1. Fire alarm inspections

For many Americans, the holidays are a time for good food and bright lights. With all the cooking and extra use of electricity, there's no better time to make sure your family will be safe in case of fire. Make sure to inspect your fire alarms. Before you check your fire alarms, make sure you notify family and neighbors of the false alarm. Locate the test button on the alarm and press it until you hear a loud, shrill beep. It's time to replace the battery if the alarm sounds weak or if it doesn't go off at all. Contact a company like Bevan Security Systems, Inc. for more information on fire alarm inspections.

2. Burglar alarm test

The holidays are the time of year when you get to go back home and visit family. Unfortunately, burglars take advantage of this and may decide to break into your home while you're away. To keep your home and family safe from intruders, test your burglar alarm. Each home security system is different, so you should check the manual for your alarm. Be sure to contact your home security company before conducting the test. If you don't have a home security system, you should consider getting one installed this season. There's no better gift than security.

3. Carbon monoxide safeguards

Cold weather and winter storms come with the season, making it a good time to snuggle around the fireplace with hot cocoa. Be sure to prevent carbon monoxide by installing a carbon monoxide detector in the room with the fireplace. If you have a detector, test to ensure it's working. The process for inspecting a carbon monoxide detector is the same as a smoke alarm. Also, inspect your fireplace to make sure the flue is clear and open. Make an appointment with a technician to have all oil and gas appliances serviced.

4. Child proofing

Children fill the holidays with laughter and excitement. Make sure they're protected in the home by ensuring your decorations are safe. Here are some general guidelines:

• Put protective cases over unused outlets
• Make sure the base of your tree is heavy and stable
• Use shatter-proof ornaments
• Place small ornaments high on the tree
• Keep loose wires and light strings off the floor or secure them with tape

These are four ways to keep your family safe and secure for the holidays.