Making Seasons Bright: A Property Manager’s Guide to a Festive and Safe Holiday

All is calm, all is bright. So let’s keep it that way.

The holiday season is upon us! It’s a time for joy, celebration, and creating warm memories with family and friends. But as the winter chill sets in and our homes glow with festive lights, it’s important to remember that this season also brings unique safety challenges, especially for multifamily and single family property owners and managers. But fear not! With a sprinkle of foresight and a dash of preparation, you can make this holiday season both merry and safe.

Deck Your Halls

For property managers: Foster a safe and spirited community

1. Stock Up on Ice Melt: Don’t let early freezes catch you off guard. Ensure you have enough ice melt on hand to tackle slippery walkways.
2. Test Safety Equipment: As the temperature drops and fireplaces light up, test all safety equipment. Ensure that smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are in working order. This simple step can be a lifesaver, literally!
3. Brighten Up Common Areas: With nightfall creeping in early, check if your lighting is adequate for safe navigation. Replace any burnt-out lights and consider adding more if needed.
4. Embrace the Holiday Spirit: Decorating common areas not only lifts spirits but also fosters a sense of community. Consider organizing holiday-themed activities like a door decorating contest or a cookie exchange.

For Residents: We suggest communicating the following simple steps to your residents to ensure a safe and joyful holiday season:

1. Opt for Flameless Candles: Real candles, though charming, are behind 2% of home fires, with a measurable spike in December. Flameless candles offer the same festive glow without the risk.
2. Check Your Outdoor Lights: Not all lights are created equal. Check the UL safety tag and ensure your outdoor lights are meant for outdoor use. Remember, indoor lights have a green or silver tag with green text, while outdoor lights boast a red or silver tag with red text.
3. Mind Your Electrical Loads: Overloaded circuits are no joke – they cause 770 fires annually. If using incandescent bulbs, limit the number of connected strings. Better yet, switch to LED lights for a safer, more energy-efficient option.
4. Turn Off Lights and Decorations: Before heading to bed or leaving home, make it a ritual to turn off all lights and decorations. It’s a smart move to reduce fire risk and save on electricity bills.
5. Choose Your Tree Wisely: An artificial tree labeled “fire-resistant” is a safer bet. If you prefer a live tree, cut off two inches from the bottom for better water absorption, reducing the risk of drying out and catching fire. Keep it well-watered and away from heat sources.
6. Keep Decorations Clear of Entryways: Ensure that your festive spirit doesn’t block pathways. It’s vital for safety and neighborly courtesy.
7. Watch Out for Poisonous Plants: Keep mistletoe, holly, Jerusalem cherry, and amaryllis out of reach from children and pets to avoid any health scares.

Wrap Up the Year (with Safety and Cheer)

As we deck the halls and light up our lives with holiday cheer, let’s not forget the tapestry of safety we need to weave into our festivities. What are your go-to safety tips for the holiday season? Whether you’re a resident enjoying the season’s glow or a property manager ensuring everyone’s well-being, remember: safety is the gift that keeps on giving.

A bright idea: this year, gift yourself efficiency and peace of mind with outsourced managed utilities. Practically speaking, it means more time to focus on enhancing resident experiences. Fiscally, you’ll enter 2024 with lower utility bills, no late fees and no provider errors. Embrace a more efficient approach this holiday season, where expert management ensures smooth operations so you can concentrate on what truly matters.

Happy holidays! Here’s to a season defined by joy, safety, and peace of mind.