Home Safety Changes to Make Before Holiday Guests Arrive
This holiday season, begin your preparations with a safety checklist before making your home sparkle like the lights on the Christmas tree. Holiday-related injuries are common at this time of year, and a trip to the emergency room is a surefire way to spoil the festivities.
Get a head start on keeping your holiday guests safe with these six safety changes to make before guests arrive.
1. Clear sidewalks and driveways
A good host puts the safety of their guests first. If you live in a cold region, check frequently for ice buildup on your paved areas. Unlike snow, ice can't be shoveled. Have a de-icing plan in place before you expect your first guest. Keep the safety of delivery personnel in mind, too.
You can find de-icing products at your local home improvement or hardware store, from snow-melting chemicals to salt. If you want to be proactive, consider purchasing a heated melting mat.
2. Disinfect common surfaces
We all got used to disinfecting everything during the peak of COVID-19. Don't let up now, especially if you are expecting immuno-compromised guests. The CDC recommends cleaning surfaces with soap and warm water, then going over them with an EPA-registered disinfecting product or a solution of bleach and water.
Make sure to wipe down countertops, light switches, door handles, bathroom fixtures, and any hard surfaces where germs might linger.
3. Take care of your floors
Bacteria can linger on more than countertops and other common surfaces. Day after day, your flooring collects contaminants like dust, dirt, and pet dander. Steam mops that use heated water are recommended for use on wooden, vinyl, and laminate flooring. They're more effective at killing germs than regular soap-and-water mops.
If you have carpets or large area rugs, consider hiring a professional carpet cleaning service, so your guests can all breathe easier during their visit.
4. Have your HVAC system serviced
Don't take a chance on your HVAC system breaking down and leaving your guests uncomfortable. If you haven't had yours serviced for the upcoming winter yet, now is the time to call in the pros like Standard Heating & Air. They can inspect your system for safety, perform maintenance tasks, and more.
Already had your system serviced? Good for you. Be sure to pop in a fresh air filter, so your guests with respiratory issues will be more comfortable.
5. Declutter commons areas
Decluttering your home before guests arrive will make it look neater, help you find missing items, and keep guests safer by making common areas easier to navigate. Visitors will be less likely to trip over something and fall. You'll also have more room to entertain. As a plus, your home will be easier to decorate if everything is in its proper place.
6. Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Unfortunately, home fires are more common during the winter holidays. Check to see that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order and have batteries. If you have a fireplace, schedule a chimney inspection if it's been a while since you last had one.
Help make holiday entertaining less stressful this year by completing your safety maintenance tasks before guests arrive. For more great tips on entertaining at any time of the year, follow TheHomeMag on Facebook or Instagram.
