Holiday Home Safety Tips: How to Protect Your Home While You’re Celebrating or Traveling
The holiday season brings family gatherings, festive decorations, and well-deserved time off — but it also brings a spike in home accidents, electrical fires, and break-ins. Whether you’re entertaining at home or heading out of town, a few simple precautions can help keep your property and loved ones safe.
Here are practical tips to protect your home during the holidays — both when you’re home and when you’re away.
When You’re Celebrating at Home
1. Inspect Your Holiday Lights
Old or damaged holiday lights can easily spark electrical fires.
Look for frayed wires, cracked bulbs, or loose connections.
Replace older incandescent strands with LED lights, which run cooler and use less energy.
2. Don’t Overload Electrical Outlets
Too many decorations plugged into a single outlet is a common holiday hazard.
Use power strips with surge protection and keep high-wattage items on separate circuits.
3. Keep Trees Away from Heat Sources
Whether you use a real or artificial tree:
Keep it away from fireplaces, radiators, and space heaters.
Water real trees regularly — dry needles catch fire quickly.
4. Practice Candle Safety
Candles add warmth to the season, but they’re also a top cause of holiday house fires.
Use flameless LED candles whenever possible.
Keep open flames at least 12 inches away from anything flammable.
Never leave candles burning when you leave a room.
5. Secure Your Packages
Holiday deliveries attract porch thieves.
Consider:
Using Amazon Lockers
Installing a doorbell camera
Asking delivery services to “hide” packages
Scheduling deliveries for when someone is home
When You’re Traveling
6. Make Your Home Look Lived-In
An empty house is a target. Before you leave:
Use smart lights or timers
Have a neighbor park in your driveway
Pause your mail and package deliveries
Avoid posting travel plans on social media until you’re back
7. Double-Check Doors and Windows
More than 30% of break-ins happen through unlocked entry points.
Walk through your home and check:
Front/back doors
Basement entrances
Sliding patio doors
Garage doors
Ground-level windows
Consider reinforcing sliding doors with a track bar and adding smart locks for easier remote monitoring.
8. Unplug Non-Essential Electronics
Unplugging devices reduces fire risk and saves energy.
Focus on:
TVs
Lamps
Holiday lights
Small appliances
Keep your fridge, heating system, and security system plugged in.
9. Set Your Thermostat Safely
If you're leaving for several days:
Keep the heat at at least 55°F to prevent frozen pipes.
Open cabinet doors under sinks so warm air can circulate around plumbing.
10. Check Your Security System
Before leaving:
Ensure cameras and sensors are online
Update app permissions
Test alarms
Notify your security company you’ll be away (some offer added patrols)
If your home doesn’t have a system, affordable DIY kits like Ring or SimpliSafe offer strong protection without long-term contracts.
Bonus: Review Your Insurance Before the Holidays
The holiday season is one of the busiest times of year for home insurance claims — from kitchen fires to burst pipes to theft.
It’s a great time to confirm:
Your personal property coverage is high enough
You have replacement cost coverage (not actual cash value)
High-value gifts (jewelry, electronics, collectibles) are scheduled if needed
You know your deductible and coverage limits
If you’re unsure, I’m happy to review your current policy and make sure you’re fully protected during the holidays and beyond.
Final Thoughts
The holidays should be about enjoying family, travel, and time off — not worrying about home safety. By taking a few simple precautions, you can relax knowing you’ve reduced your risk of fire, theft, and costly damages.
If you’d like a free review of your home, condo, or renters insurance, reach out anytime.
Cameron Insurance Agency is here to help you protect what matters most.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as professional advice. Home safety practices may vary depending on your property, location, and individual circumstances. Always consult qualified professionals regarding fire safety, home security, and maintenance needs.
Coverage descriptions in this article are not a guarantee of insurance benefits. Insurance policies, terms, and coverage options vary by state and individual policy. For specific details about your homeowners, condo, or renters insurance coverage, please refer to your policy documents or contact your insurance agent.
Cameron Insurance Agency, LLC and its representatives do not guarantee the prevention of loss, theft, fire, or property damage through the use of these tips. Implementing these suggestions is at your own discretion and risk.