The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it also brings unique challenges and risks, especially for tenants and property owners. At Douglas Realty Property Management, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our tenants and properties in southwest Florida. In this post, we’ll share essential holiday safety tips to ensure that your tenants can enjoy a secure and delightful festive season.
Fire Safety Measures
The holidays often mean more cooking, decorations, and possibly candles, which unfortunately can increase the risk of fires. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Check Smoke Alarms: Remind tenants to test their smoke alarms and replace batteries if necessary.
- Safe Decoration Practices: Advise tenants to use non-flammable or flame-retardant decorations.
- Candle Safety: If candles are used, they should be placed away from flammable items and never left unattended.
- Kitchen Safety: Tenants should never leave cooking unattended and keep flammable items away from the stove.
Preventing Break-Ins
Holidays can be peak times for break-ins as many people travel. To keep properties secure, consider the following:
- Security Systems: Ensure that any installed security systems are functioning correctly.
- Lighting: Encourage the use of timers for lights to give the impression that someone is home, even when they’re not.
- Neighbor Awareness: Ask tenants to inform trusted neighbors if they plan to travel, so someone can keep an eye on their unit.
Electrical Safety
Holiday lights and decorations can put extra strain on electrical systems. To avoid hazards:
- Inspect Holiday Lights: Tenants should check for frayed wires or damaged bulbs before using holiday lights.
- Avoid Overloading Outlets: Remind tenants not to overload electrical outlets with decorations.
- Use Surge Protectors: Encourage the use of surge protectors for electrical decorations.
Christmas Tree Safety
If tenants opt for a real Christmas tree:
- Keep Trees Hydrated: A dry tree can be a significant fire hazard. Ensure tenants know to keep the tree base filled with water.
- Placement of Tree: The tree should be set up away from heat sources like fireplaces or radiators.
General Safety
- Travel Plans: Advise tenants to be discreet about travel plans to avoid tipping off potential burglars.
- Package Deliveries: Suggest scheduling deliveries when someone is home or using secure package receiving services.
Trust Douglas to Care for Your Properties During the Holidays
Safety is paramount, especially during the holiday season. At Douglas Realty Property Management, we are committed to ensuring that our tenants and properties in southwest Florida, including Cape Coral, Fort Myers, San Carlos, Lehigh Acres, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and North Port, remain safe and secure.
For more information about property management and tenant safety, or if you have any specific concerns regarding your property, don’t hesitate to contact us at 239-542-6906 or contact us online. We wish everyone a safe, joyous, and peaceful holiday season!
