Home safety is important all year, but it’s even more so during the holidays. Home protection is crucial for holiday preparations.

An effective security system is key to ensuring safety during holidays. This is because so many people will be traveling. You can set up timers to turn on and off lights indoors and outdoors, giving the illusion of an empty home. The following tips can help protect people in your home during holidays.

* Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The U.S. Fire Administration estimates that holiday fires cause approximately 2,600 injuries and cause nearly $930 million worth of damage each year. These inexpensive devices can save lives, especially when you consider the dangers associated with candles and Christmas lights being left on for extended periods of time. Each floor should have a smoke detector, one carbon monoxide detector, or a combination unit. This is especially important for bedrooms. It is a good rule of thumb to change the batteries every time you change your clocks. The average cost of changing the batteries is $25-$50 – a small price to pay to have peace of mind.

* Safeguard your fireplace. Your fireplace is the ideal centerpiece for entertaining guests and keeping warm. However, fireplaces can be dangerous if they don’t get maintained or cleaned regularly. A professional should inspect and clean your chimney at least once per year. A chimney cap is a great way to keep birds and small animals away from your chimney.

* Additional safety fixes. Ensure that your area rugs have anti-skid tape or padding to keep them sure-footed, and always have a strong step stool on hand to reach items or seasonal decorations that are too high in closets, cabinets or storage units.

These simple safety tips will ensure that you have a pleasant and safe holiday. Visit your Ace Hardware to learn more about home safety. www.acehardware.com.

Lou Manfredini is currently Ace’s Home Improvement Expert. “Helpful Hardware Man”You can email us at any time, 24 hours a days, 7 days a semaine [email protected]