7 Most Important Holiday Safety Tips (And, what not to do)

Christmas is a lot of work. There, I said it. When you’re a kid, it’s all twinkling lights, presents under the tree, and cookies that just magically appear on the counter. It feels like the holiday happens effortlessly. But once you hit adulthood, you realize—you’re the magic.

You’ve officially been promoted to Chief Elf, and suddenly, the weight of the holiday season falls squarely on your shoulders. Decorating the house, finding the perfect tree, shopping, wrapping (and somehow always running out of Scotch tape?!), shipping gifts, cooking, baking—it’s a full-time job. Let’s not sugarcoat it—it’s downright exhausting!

With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget about safety. But a little preparation can go a long way in keeping everyone safe while you create those magical memories.

Whether it’s staying alert on the road, avoiding fire hazards at home, or keeping foodborne illnesses off your holiday menu, this holiday safety guide has you covered. We care about your sanity and your peace of mind…we’ve been there. If you have questions about your coverage? Get in touch! The Huneycutt Group is here to help!

We’re sharing our list of the 7 most important holiday safety tips to keep you and your family safe and stress-free.

1. Traveling Safely For The Holidays

Holiday travel brings excitement and challenges, especially when roads are busy and weather conditions unpredictable. Whether you’re heading to Grandma’s house or a tropical vacation, planning and awareness can ensure a smoother journey. Follow these holiday travel tips to ensure your adventures go as planned, so you can focus on building those core memories.

• Plan your route ahead of time: Take a few minutes to map out your trip before hitting the road. Use GPS or an app like Waze to avoid construction or traffic jams. Don’t forget to have a backup route—just in case you hit unexpected detours.
• Keep an emergency kit in your car: Stock your kit with essentials like blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight, jumper cables, and a first-aid kit. Bonus points if you throw in some hand warmers and a phone charger—because who wants to deal with a dead battery in the middle of nowhere?
• Check your vehicle before traveling: Think of it as a holiday check-up for your car. Inspect your tires (including the spare), check your oil and other fluids, and make sure your windshield wipers are ready to battle snow or rain. No one wants a breakdown on the way to Grandma’s house!
• Avoid distractions while driving: Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” and keep your playlist or GPS set before you hit the road. If you’re traveling with kids, hand them some snacks or gadgets to keep them entertained—anything to avoid a backseat meltdown.
• Secure luggage properly: Whether it’s in the trunk or strapped to the roof, double-check that your bags are secured tightly. You don’t want to be “that person” picking up gifts on the side of the highway.
• Follow speed limits and adjust for weather: Slow and steady wins the race—especially in snow, rain, or icy conditions. Give yourself extra time to get where you’re going so you’re not tempted to speed.
• Ensure all passengers are buckled up: Yes, even the backseat passengers! Double-check those seatbelts (or car seats) are snug and secure before you start moving.
• Don’t drive under the influence: The holidays are for toasting, not for taking risks. If you plan on drinking, arrange for a designated driver, call a rideshare, or book a room for the night.
• Be cautious in crowded airports: Arrive early to avoid the stress of rushing through security. Keep your belongings close and use luggage tags that stand out to make spotting your bag a breeze at the carousel. Oh, and don’t forget snacks—because holiday travel delays are almost a tradition!

2. How to Deck the Halls Without the Hazards

Holiday decorations are what make the season feel truly magical—they’re the heart of that cozy, festive vibe we all love. But let’s face it, channeling your inner Clark Griswold and going all-out without caution can lead to more chaos than cheer. Nobody wants to blow a fuse or have a flaming tree as their holiday centerpiece.

Here are some top decorating tips to keep things merry, bright, and decidedly disaster-free this season!

• Use flame-resistant decorations: Check labels when buying decorations to ensure they’re flame-resistant or flame-retardant. Skip anything flammable near candles, fireplaces, or space heaters.
• Inspect lights for damage: Take a few minutes to check for frayed wires, exposed cords, or broken bulbs before plugging in your lights. Toss out anything sketchy—it’s not worth the risk.
• Secure outdoor decorations: Anchor inflatables and decorations securely so they don’t end up in your neighbor’s yard after a gust of wind. Use zip ties or outdoor hooks for extra stability.
• Place decorations out of children’s reach: Keep fragile ornaments, small items, and anything sharp or breakable higher up on the tree or mantle. Save the lower branches for soft, kid-friendly pieces.
• Use a stable ladder for hanging decorations: Set your ladder on a flat, stable surface, and have someone hold it steady if you’re reaching high. And please, no climbing on chairs or wobbly stools!
• Turn off lights when unattended: Use timers or smart plugs to automatically turn off lights when you’re asleep or away—it’s safer and saves on your energy bill.
• Keep walkways clear of cords: Tape down any extension cords or tuck them along the edges of walls to avoid trips and falls. No one wants a holiday injury!
• Follow manufacturer instructions: Whether it’s lights, inflatables, or a pre-lit tree, read the instructions before setting up. They’ll tell you the safest way to install and use your decorations.

3. Keep Your Holiday Lights and Cords Safe

Holiday lights bring such a magical glow to your home, but handling cords and outlets can feel like wrangling spaghetti. If you’re not careful, all that festive lighting can lead to overloaded outlets, tripped breakers, or worse.

The goal here is to light up your home—not start a fire or trip over a cord on your way to the eggnog. Here are some tips to help you avoid electrical mishaps while keeping your holiday spirit bright.

• Check cords for wear and tear: Before you plug in your lights, inspect the cords for cracks, frayed wires, or loose connections. If something looks sketchy, toss it out.
• Don’t run cords under rugs or carpets: It’s tempting to hide those unsightly cords, but doing this can cause overheating and wear them down. Instead, use cord covers or run them along the wall where they’re out of the way.
• Avoid plugging multiple high-wattage items into one outlet: Plugging all your lights, inflatables, and gadgets into one sad outlet is asking for trouble. Spread the load between outlets or use power strips with built-in overload protection.
• Use outdoor-rated cords for outdoor decorations: Outdoor lights and cords are designed to handle weather, unlike your indoor extension cords that aren’t ready for rain or snow. Double-check the labels and keep outdoor connections off the ground to avoid puddles.
• Install surge protectors: Holiday lights don’t mix well with sudden power surges. Use surge protectors to safeguard your lights and devices, especially during winter storms.

4. Be Aware Of Sneaky Fire-Starters

A little caution can keep your holiday season merry and mishap-free. Whether you’re frying up a turkey masterpiece or enjoying a crackling fire, taking a few safety steps can save you from turning festive cheer into a holiday horror story.

Turkey Frying Safety Tips

• Fry outdoors on a flat, non-flammable surface.
• Keep fryer away from your home, deck, or trees.
• Completely thaw turkey before frying to prevent splatter.
• Use a fryer with a thermostat for temperature control.
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby.

Candles And Fireplace Safety Tips

• Never leave candles unattended; extinguish when leaving a room.
• Use sturdy holders that won’t tip over.
• Keep flammable items at least three feet away from the fireplace.
• Clean your chimney annually.
• Use a screen to prevent sparks from flying out.

5. Food Safety Tips to Keep Your Holiday Feast Safe and Delicious

Holiday meals are the star of the season, but no one wants their festive feast to end with everyone running to the bathroom or worse, to the hospital. Don’t let improper food safety practices ruin your holiday.

• Wash hands frequently: Scrub those hands like you just finished frosting cookies. Wash with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat or touching anything sticky.
• Use separate cutting boards: Use one board for produce and another for raw meats to keep things safe.
• Cook meats to the correct temperature: Don’t just guess if the turkey’s done—use a meat thermometer! For turkey, aim for 165°F in the thickest part.
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly: As much as we all love chatting over pie, don’t let your leftovers linger too long. Get them into the fridge within two hours to keep them fresh for tomorrow’s turkey sandwiches.
• Don’t leave perishables out for more than 2 hours: Cheese platters and dips are festive, but they shouldn’t party on the counter all night. Set a timer to remind yourself when to pack them up.
• Thaw foods safely: Thaw your turkey (or anything frozen) in the fridge—not on the counter. It might take longer, but you’ll avoid any sneaky bacteria trying to crash your holiday dinner.
• Wash produce thoroughly: Even if it looks clean, give your fruits and veggies a good rinse under running water. For leafy greens, swish them in a bowl of water to catch any hidden dirt.
• Store raw meats on the bottom shelf of the fridge: Keep raw meats on the lowest shelf so any drips stay far away from your leftovers or that perfect holiday dessert you’ve been saving.

6. Smart and Safe Holiday Shopping Tips to Keep the Season Merry

Holiday shopping has a special kind of magic—finding that perfect gift, snagging deals, and soaking in all the festive vibes. Whether you’re braving the stores or clicking “add to cart”, these tips will help you stay safe while checking off your holiday list!

• Park in well-lit areas: Choose a parking spot that’s visible and close to entrances. If you’re shopping at night, avoid dark corners.
• Lock doors and keep valuables out of sight: Stash shopping bags, purses, or gadgets in the trunk or under a cover. A clean, empty car keeps thieves moving along.
• Carry only what you need: Bring one credit card, a photo ID, and just enough cash for the day. Leave the “just in case” extras at home to keep things simple.
• Stay aware of your surroundings: Keep your head up, not buried in your phone, especially when walking to and from your car. Look confident—thieves are less likely to target someone who looks alert.
• Be cautious of online shopping: Stick to secure websites (look for “https” and the lock icon) and avoid clicking on too-good-to-be-true deals from unknown retailers. Check your bank statements for any surprises.

7. Give Age Appropriate Toys

Gifting toys is one of the most heartwarming parts of the holiday season, but it’s important to prioritize safety when shopping for children. Whether you’re choosing a classic board game or the latest gadget, these tips will help you select toys that are fun, safe, and age-appropriate for the little ones in your life.

• Check for small parts: Look for a “choking hazard” warning on packaging, especially for kids under three. If a piece could fit in a toilet paper roll, it’s probably too small for little hands (and mouths).
• Choose non-toxic materials: Opt for toys labeled as BPA-free, lead-free, or non-toxic. If a toy has a strong chemical smell, skip it—it’s not worth the risk.
• Avoid toys with sharp edges: Run your fingers along the edges of toys to check for rough or sharp spots. Stick with smooth finishes that won’t turn playtime into Band-Aid time.
• Pick age-appropriate options: Always check the age recommendations on the box. That shiny drone might be cool, but it’s not ideal for a toddler—save the complex gadgets for older kids.
• Inspect toys for durability: Give the toy a little shake, tug, or twist in the store. If it feels flimsy or like it could break easily, it might not survive a week of enthusiastic play.
• Avoid high-powered magnets or batteries: Look out for toys with small, strong magnets or button batteries. These can be dangerous if swallowed, so save these for older, more cautious kiddos.
• Teach children how to use toys safely: Once they unwrap their gift, show them how to use it properly. For example, explain how to launch that rocket toy outdoors, not at their sibling!

Holiday Safety Tips to Keep the Season Bright and Worry-Free

The holidays are a time for joy, laughter, and making memories—but a little extra care can ensure the season stays magical and mishap-free. From safe travels and decorating to food prep and gift-giving, these tips are here to help you enjoy every moment without worry.

And remember, The Huneycutt Group is here to protect what matters most to you. Whether it’s your home, car, or family’s well-being, we’ve got you covered. Have questions about your insurance or want to ensure you’re prepared for the unexpected? Contact us today—we’re here to help you have a safe and happy holiday season!

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