The holiday season is upon us, and while we deck the halls and trim the trees, it's crucial to keep home safety at the forefront of our minds. The City of Apple Valley has highlighted essential tips for keeping our homes hazard-free during the holidays. According to their Civic Alert, residents should be diligent about checking their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These devices should be installed on every level of the home and near sleeping areas, and it is recommended that they are tested monthly and that their batteries are swapped out biannually with the changing of the clocks.
When it comes to festive lighting, the city urges caution, encouraging the use of cords and lights that bear a seal of approval from recognized standards organizations such as UL, ANSI, or CSA. It's important, they say, to securely anchor temporary wiring for outdoor setups and to make sure to check for holes, breaks, frayed or open wiring to prevent any mishaps. The full announcement can be found on their website with additional details on the safe use of holiday decorations.
But safety doesn't stop at fire prevention and electrical caution. The Civic Alert also reminds us of the importance of having accessible, fully functional bedroom windows. These aren't just for peering into the winter wonderland outside—they're vital emergency exits in case of a fire. Windows, especially those with hand cranks, need to be in working order to ensure they can be opened smoothly if an escape route is necessary.
For those who want to delve deeper into safety this season, the Electrical Safety Foundation International offers further resources. The city points residents to the ESFI's website for a wealth of electrical safety tips and holiday advice. With these measures in place, Apple Valley aims to ensure that its citizens can enjoy a safe and joyous holiday period.
