The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and festive traditions—but it can also bring unexpected safety hazards into your home. From twinkling lights to crowded gatherings, even small oversights can lead to accidents or damage.
At Custom Built, we understand that a safe home is a happy home. With 20 years of experience helping Michigan families create functional and beautiful spaces, we know how to identify potential risks and recommend practical solutions that protect both people and property.
In this article, we’ll share seven holiday safety upgrades and strategies that make your home safer and more enjoyable all season long.
- Electrical Safety: Powering Your Holidays Safely
- Kitchen Safety: Protecting the Heart of Your Home
- Stairways and Hallways: Reducing Fall Risks
- Fire Prevention: Minimize Seasonal Hazards
- Outdoor Safety: Keep Your Yard Holiday-Ready
- Holiday Décor Safety Tips
- Child & Pet Safety During the Holidays
1. Electrical Safety: Powering Your Holidays Safely
Holiday lights, decorations, and seasonal appliances can put extra stress on your home’s electrical system. A remodel is the perfect time to address potential hazards.
Key upgrades include:
- Extra outlets: Reduce reliance on extension cords, which can overheat or cause tripping hazards.
- GFCI outlets: Install near sinks, outdoor areas, and high-risk spots to prevent electrical shocks.
- Circuit upgrades: Older homes may need modern wiring or extra circuits to handle extra loads safely.
- Lighting improvements: Consider dimmers, timers, or smart lighting to prevent overheating and make your home more energy-efficient.
Design Tip: Plan outlets and wiring in strategic locations for seasonal décor and safety. This ensures cords don’t cross walkways or create clutter.
2. Kitchen Safety: Protecting the Heart of Your Home
The kitchen sees heavy traffic during the holidays, often with multiple cooks and curious children. Small design changes can significantly reduce risks.
Key upgrades include:
- Slip-resistant flooring: Choose materials that reduce the risk of slips from spills or wet boots.
- Adequate lighting: Bright, focused lighting over counters and cooking areas prevents accidents.
- Proper ventilation: Keeps smoke, heat, and odors under control when preparing large holiday meals.
- Childproofing options: Soft-close drawers, cabinet locks, and corner guards protect little ones during busy gatherings.
Design Tip: Incorporate safety and function without sacrificing style. Modern kitchens can be beautiful and accident-resistant.
3. Stairways and Hallways: Reducing Fall Risks
PC: The Spruce
Holiday décor often crowds walkways, staircases, and entryways, increasing fall risks. Remodeling these areas for safety ensures your guests and family move through your home securely.
Key upgrades include:
- Sturdy handrails: Ensure all staircases have solid, code-compliant rails.
- Non-slip treads or runners: Reduce the risk of slips, especially when people are wearing dress shoes or carrying dishes.
- Clear paths: Design hallways and entryways wide enough for holiday traffic without obstruction.
- Adequate lighting: Motion sensors, dimmers, or layered lighting improve visibility during evening gatherings.
Design Tip: Integrate safety features seamlessly with décor. Your railing and lighting can complement the holiday aesthetic while preventing accidents.
4. Fire Prevention: Minimize Seasonal Hazards
Candles, fireplaces, and electrical decorations are common during the holidays, but can be fire hazards if not properly managed. Remodeling with safety in mind can mitigate these risks.
Key upgrades include:
- Fire-rated materials: Use non-combustible surfaces near fireplaces and stoves.
- Smoke and CO detectors: Ensure they are updated and strategically placed throughout your home.
- Safe candle placement: Built-in niches or mantel lighting can display candles away from flammable surfaces.
- Smart home fire systems: Integrate alarms with notifications to your phone for peace of mind.
Design Tip: Combine aesthetics and safety. Built-in shelving, display areas, and modern fixtures can reduce fire risk while maintaining a festive look.
5. Outdoor Safety: Keep Your Yard Holiday-Ready
PC: Real Homes
The exterior of your home is often the first place guests notice during the holidays, but icy walkways, crowded decks, and electrical décor can create hazards.
Key upgrades include:
- Non-slip decking treads and paths: Materials or treatments that resist ice and moisture.
- Proper outdoor lighting: Pathway lights, spotlights, and motion sensors prevent trips in dark areas.
- Electrical safety outdoors: Ensure all outlets are GFCI-protected and decorations are rated for exterior use.
- Secure railings and steps: Especially for elevated porches and decks where guests may gather.
Design Tip: Plan outdoor décor placement around natural walking paths and traffic flow to minimize hazards.
6. Holiday Décor Safety Tips
Even homes that are generally safe can see new hazards during the holidays. Thoughtful décor placement and preparation can prevent accidents and protect your property.
Key considerations:
- Safe hanging of lights and garlands: Use proper hooks and clips instead of staples or nails that can damage wires.
- Avoiding overloaded extension cords: Never daisy-chain cords together. Check total wattage and use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords for exterior décor.
- Proper placement of trees (real and artificial): Keep trees away from heat sources and ensure the base is stable.
- Using LED lights: LED strands produce less heat, reduce fire risk, and last longer than traditional bulbs.
- Anchoring heavy decorations: Secure large ornaments or inflatable displays to prevent tipping.
Design Tip: Use color-coordinated clips or cord covers to keep wires hidden. This creates a clean, polished look without compromising safety.
7. Child & Pet Safety During the Holidays
Holidays often bring an influx of children and pets into the home. A few precautions can prevent accidents while keeping your space festive and welcoming.
Key considerations:
- Keep cords, small ornaments, and candles out of reach: Use barriers or elevated surfaces to prevent curious hands or paws from reaching them.
- Gate or barrier installation for fireplaces and staircases: Safety gates prevent falls and keep children away from hot surfaces.
- Securely store fragile décor and kitchen tools: Keep breakables and sharp objects in cabinets or on high shelves until needed.
- Non-toxic options for holiday plants: Choose alternatives or educate your family about the hazards of poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and other seasonal plants.
Design Tip: Select safety gates, barriers, or storage solutions that complement your décor style. Wood, metal, or painted finishes can blend seamlessly with your home while keeping everyone safe.
Next Steps to Upgrading Your Home for the Holidays
The holidays are full of joy, but also potential hazards that can affect your family and home. By following simple safety upgrades, from proper décor placement to child- and pet-proofing, you can reduce risks and enjoy a worry-free season.
Custom Built helps Michigan homeowners create spaces that are both beautiful and safe, supporting families year-round.
Start with a quick walk-through of your home, identify high-risk areas, and implement these safety tips before the festivities begin.
Now that you know more about holiday safety upgrades for your home remodel, let’s explore DIY holiday remodeling projects, ways to get your kitchen ready for the season, and how to create the perfect guest suite for visiting relatives and friends:
- Deck the Halls: 9 DIY Holiday Remodeling Projects to Prepare for the Season - Ready to make your home holiday-ready? Check out these 9 DIY remodeling projects that add festive cheer and function to your space.
- 8 Holiday Kitchen Remodel Ideas: Get Your Space Ready for Festive Gatherings - Transform your kitchen for the holidays! Discover eight remodeling ideas to make cooking, entertaining, and celebrating easier and more festive.
- Creating the Perfect Guest Suite for Holiday Visitors - Make every guest feel at home this holiday season. Learn how to design a comfortable, stylish guest suite that’s ready for family and friends.
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