Winter Safety Tips

Keep your home safe this winter

Make sure your home is protected this winter with these simple tips.

 

Winter Home Safety

  • Light up: If you don't plan on being home, use timers or smart plugs on lights to ensure your house is well lit. With the darker evenings, the most common time for a burglary is between 5 pm and 11 pm.
  • Out of sight: Keep valuable possessions and Christmas gifts away from windows and doors.
  • Lock all doors: One third of burglars will enter the house through the front door.
  • Close windows and avoid running electricity cords through window cracks. 
  • Don’t keep spare keys outside: Instead, leave them with a trusted neighbour. 
  • Unwanted visitors: Before answering the door, check for unwelcome visitors. Ask for ID from anyone who asks to enter your home for any type of ‘maintenance’ reasons.
  • Stay vigilant: Alert your neighbours and Gardaí of any suspicious behaviour.
  • Don’t advertise: Be mindful of social media and avoid sharing travel plans online. 
  • Avoid leaving notes: Don't leave notes for the postman saying nobody's home. 
  • Arm your alarm: Don't forget to arm your alarm when you're not home.
Christmas Fire Safety - PhoneWatch Ireland

Winter Fire Safety

  • Check for damage: Before use, make sure to inspect all electrical lights, decorations, and extension leads for damage.
  • Replace any stands of lights that are worn, broken or frayed.
  • Don’t join extension leads: When using extension leads, avoid stringing multiple leads together to create a longer lead.
  • Do not overload power outlets with too many decorations or devices.
  • Outdoor use only: When using lights and decorations outside, make sure you’re using those that are labelled “for outdoor use.”
  • Water your tree: If you had a real Christmas tree, remember to keep the stand full of water. A fresh, green tree is less of a fire hazard than a dry tree.
  • Never use lit candles on or near the Christmas tree.
  • Keep heat away: Keep any electric heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn – decorations, trees, gifts, and curtains.
  • Remember to blow out any lit candles before leaving a room or going to bed.
  • Fireplace Safety: Make sure nothing is hanging too low in front of the fireplace – garlands, decorations or stockings.
  • Safety in the kitchen: Never leave cooking equipment unattended and keep pots and pans on the stove away from young children.
  • Inform guests: Remember to share your house escape plan with any overnight guests.