by Nance Carter

Created on: November 30, 2009

Everyone wants a safe and merry Christmas. If you take a few precautions now, you will be able to enjoy the holidays without experiencing any unpleasant episodes, and everyone will have a wonderful time.

Many accidents occur when people put outdoor lights on their house. Check that they work and are in good condition before you bring the whole operation outside. Make sure to place the ladder on a sturdy patch of ground and have someone else there, spotting. Buy the specific sets of lights made for outdoor use. If connecting multiple strands, wind electrical tape around the connections.

Indoor tree lights should also be checked. Replace any bulbs that do not work and be sure no inside wiring is exposed through the plastic coating. If you have a live tree, check the water level frequently and add more at least once a day. If the tree is not taking any more water, this means it is drying out and should be discarded shortly.

Place candles away from the Christmas tree and any other live wreaths or roping displayed in your home. Keep them away from all fabrics, especially curtains, and high enough so pets cannot knock them down. Many people leave scented candles lit in their bathrooms during parties. It is safer to plug in a deodorizer. Yankee Candle makes home fragrance units that give off a good, strong scent and are available in different holiday fragrances, such as Holiday Bayberry.

If you own a cat, please do not decorate your home with poinsettia plants. They are toxic. Also, if you own either a cat or a dog, do not feed them chocolate, as that is also toxic to their systems.

Of course, care should be taken while cooking. I'll never forget the 'typical holiday disaster' that occurred when my sister's oven burst into flames one Christmas because she left the yams in the broiler a second too long, while trying to brown the marshmallows on top. If small children will be around, turn all pot handles in toward the back of the stove and don't leave the room while cooking, in case something boils over. If anyone suffers a burn, diagnose the severity and treat it appropriately.

All smoke detectors and carbon dioxide detectors should be checked to make sure they are in working order. This is a good time to replace batteries. New models are available that use a lithium battery you do not have to replace and last approximately 10 years. Kidde is a reliable manufacturer of this type and they are available at Home Depot for $19.99. An ABC fire extinguisher is also an important safety tool to have on every level of your home. ABC means it will douse paper, liquid and electrical fires.

If serving alcohol, assign designated drivers or have the phone number of a taxi service available. If guests will be coming from far away, make up an extra bed, or sofa, so no one will have to drive in less than top condition.

Clear all walkways and driveways from snow and ice before guests arrive. Stock up on ice pellets before a storm so you do not have to battle crowds for that last bag at the store.

Taking these precautions will give you peace of mind and allow you to concentrate on the joy of the holiday season.

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