(ModernSurvival.org) – From the time spent preparing for festivities to actually entertaining family and guests, the holidays can really drain a person. Once the dust settles from all the gift-giving and merrymaking, it’s easy to overlook potential threats — especially when they come from activities as simple as taking the trash out. Don’t worry, though, we’re here to help.
Theft
Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean that thieves are on vacation. In fact, the days and weeks following Christmas are when thieves get busy scouting for homes to rob. This is where taking the trash out comes into play.
When people stack boxes on the curb, those shiny packages serve as advertisements of what goodies a burglar can expect to find inside a home. To combat this, break down these containers and put them inside garbage bags, or take them directly to recycling centers.
Along that same line of thinking, windows that face the street should be shuttered so passersby can’t get a peek at the treasures inside.
Fire
While theft is a major issue following the holidays, so are house fires. If a live tree is in the home for Christmas, make sure to properly dispose of it once the decorations come down. Until then, keep watering it regularly so it doesn’t dry out and become a serious fire hazard.
For those who have wood stoves or fireplaces, avoid burning used wrapping paper. It may be tempting to get rid of it in this manner, but the paper burns hot and fast, which may lead to damage to the chimney. Best just to toss it in a garbage sack.
Lights
When it’s time to take down the lights, be sure to unplug each cord by grabbing the thick area with the plugin, not the cord itself. Pulling on the cord can damage the wiring and/or insulation, leading to the potential for electrical shock or fire.
As the lights are taken down, inspect each string for damage or dead bulbs. If outside weathering has taken its toll on a string of lights, toss it out. Better safe than sorry. After-Christmas clearance sales are a great time to replace worn-out light strings.
With the holiday season nearing its end, now is the time to begin looking forward to the New Year. To see why committing to becoming more prepared is a good New Year’s resolution, check out our article here on the benefits of prepping.
~Here’s to Your Survival!
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