Keep Your Home Safe, Warm, and Stress-Free This Winter
The holiday season brings warmth, joy, and time with loved ones—but it can also bring increased safety risks if your home isn’t prepared. From twinkling lights and extra cooking to space heaters and packed guest rooms, the holidays can put more strain on your home’s systems and increase the risk of accidents.
At Four Seasons Air Specialists, we’ve been helping White Bear Lake families stay safe and comfortable since 1974. Use these holiday home safety tips to protect your home and your peace of mind this season.
🎄 1. Check and Maintain Your Heating System
Your furnace is working overtime during the holidays—especially if you’re hosting guests.
✅ To-do:
- Schedule a pre-winter furnace tune-up (if you haven’t already)
- Replace the air filter to improve airflow and air quality
- Make sure vents and registers are open and unobstructed
- Listen for unusual noises or odors when the heat is on
🔥 Safety Tip: Never use your oven, stove, or grill as a heat source. Stick with properly maintained HVAC equipment.
💡 2. Be Smart with Holiday Lighting
Holiday lights are beautiful—but they can also be a fire hazard if used improperly.
💡 Lighting safety tips:
- Check lights for frayed wires, broken sockets, or loose connections
- Don’t overload extension cords or power strips
- Use indoor-rated lights inside and weatherproof lights outside
- Turn lights off when leaving the house or going to bed
- Use LED lights, which stay cooler and use less energy
🕯️ 3. Use Candles with Caution
Candles add holiday charm but are also a leading cause of house fires in December.
🕯 If you use candles:
- Keep them at least 12 inches away from anything flammable
- Never leave them unattended or within reach of pets or children
- Use sturdy, non-tip holders
- Consider battery-operated flameless candles for worry-free ambiance
🧯 4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With more cooking, heating, and holiday gatherings, it’s critical to ensure your safety alarms are working.
🚨 Checklist:
- Test smoke and CO detectors monthly
- Replace batteries (or use this season as your reminder)
- Install CO detectors near sleeping areas and fuel-burning appliances
- Have a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen
💡 Pro Tip: If your detectors are over 10 years old, it’s time to replace them.
🏡 5. Keep Entryways Clear and Safe
Snow, ice, and increased foot traffic make winter walkways a slipping hazard.
❄️ Safety tips:
- Shovel walkways promptly after snowfall
- Use ice melt or sand to reduce slick surfaces
- Keep outdoor lights on at night for visibility
- Make sure indoor rugs or mats are slip-resistant and lie flat
🍳 6. Stay Safe in the Kitchen
The holidays often center around food—which also means more kitchen hazards.
👨🍳 Cooking safety tips:
- Never leave stovetops unattended
- Keep flammable items (dish towels, oven mitts) away from heat sources
- Use timers to keep track of baking or roasting
- Turn pot handles inward to avoid bumps and spills
- Avoid distractions like phones while cooking
🔌 7. Use Space Heaters Responsibly
Space heaters can be a good way to warm up a chilly room—but they must be used safely.
🔥 What to do:
- Keep heaters 3 feet away from curtains, bedding, and furniture
- Plug directly into a wall outlet (not an extension cord)
- Never leave a heater running while sleeping or away from home
- Choose models with automatic shut-off and tip-over protection
🧳 8. Prepare for Holiday Guests
If you’re hosting, make sure your home is safe and comfortable for everyone.
🏠 Prep tips:
- Show guests where fire exits and extinguishers are located
- Have extra CO and smoke detectors in guest areas
- Keep pathways clear of cords and clutter
- Label light switches and thermostat settings if needed
🕊️ 9. Set Travel Safety Measures
Heading out of town for the holidays? A few extra steps can keep your home safe while you’re away.
🚗 Travel prep:
- Lower your thermostat (but not below 55°F) to prevent frozen pipes
- Leave a few lights on timers to make your home look occupied
- Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check in periodically
- Unplug non-essential electronics to reduce fire risk
🎁 Celebrate with Comfort and Confidence
The holidays should be filled with joy—not stress over unexpected issues. With a few safety precautions and HVAC checks, your home will be ready to welcome friends, family, and festive memories.
At Four Seasons Air Specialists, we’re here to keep your home safe, warm, and efficient all season long.
✅ Furnace tune-ups
✅ Indoor air quality solutions
✅ Thermostat upgrades
✅ Emergency HVAC services
📞 Need a holiday season check-up or service call? Schedule now at: 651.426.5254
