Holiday Home Safety

BOISE – As Idaho families continue to prepare for the holiday season, AAA is sharing tips to stay safe at home.

“One moment of forgetfulness could lead to some bad outcomes, including an expensive insurance claim,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “Managing the effects of cold weather at home is just as important as being safe on the road.”

Don’t leave candles or interior Christmas lights unattended.
Keep an eye on the kitchen. Monitor the oven when you’re cooking or baking, and never deep fry a frozen turkey.
Shovel and/or treat icy walkways before company arrives.
If your pipes are susceptible to freezing, leave water dripping during extreme cold snaps.
Set up a location to conceal holiday package deliveries to protect them from porch pirates.
Use clips to hang Christmas lights rather than staples or nails that can puncture wires.
Have someone else on hand every time you use a ladder.
Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear so that snow and ice melt flow freely.
Monitor snow loads on your roof, shed, and carport, and remove as needed.