The holidays in Alabama bring sparkling lights, family gatherings, and the warm comfort of home-cooked meals. But amid the cheer and celebration, it’s important to remember that safety should never take a back seat. A little preparation can help keep your home, family, and guests secure through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. 

At Shoal Creek, we’ve put together this simple list to make for smoother sailing as you move through the season. 

8 Holiday Safety Tips for Alabama Residents

These practical holiday safety and winter safety tips are here to help you enjoy a peaceful, worry-free season without losing sight of what matters most: your health, happiness, and loved ones.

1. Keep Fire Safety at the Top of Your List

The glow of a candle, the crackle of a fireplace, and the scent of baking pies all contribute to the charm of the holidays. But they also bring increased fire risks. Across the U.S., home fires spike during the winter months, often caused by kitchen mishaps, faulty lights, or unattended candles.

Here are a few fire safety reminders for your home this season:

• Watch the kitchen. Never leave the stove or oven unattended while cooking. Assign someone to “kitchen duty” during gatherings to prevent forgotten pots or pans.
  
• Check holiday lights. Discard any frayed wires or broken bulbs before decorating. Use lights approved for indoor or outdoor use as appropriate.
  
• Water your tree. A dry Christmas tree can catch fire in seconds. Keep it hydrated and away from fireplaces, candles, and heat vents.
  
• Keep extinguishers handy. Make sure a working fire extinguisher is easily accessible in your kitchen or near the fireplace.

Fire safety is a year-round priority, but during the holidays, a little extra care can make all the difference.

2. Secure Your Home Before You Travel

If your holiday plans include visiting family or heading out of town, take steps to strengthen your home security before you leave. Thieves often target vacant homes during the holiday season, when lights are dim and packages are left unattended.

Here are a few safe travel practices and home security tips to follow:

• Pause mail and deliveries. A pile of mail or boxes at the door signals that no one is home. Have a neighbor or friend collect them.
  
• Set light timers. A few timed lights give your home the appearance of being occupied.
  
• Check doors and windows. Lock all entry points, including garage doors and sliding glass doors.
  
• Avoid public travel updates. Refrain from posting your travel plans on social media until you return home.
  
• Alert a trusted neighbor. Ask someone nearby to keep an eye on your property and report any unusual activity.

Before you leave, give your home one final walk-through. Unplug unnecessary electronics, lower the thermostat, and double-check that your security system is armed.

3. Stay Alert in Crowds and Parking Lots

The holiday season brings crowded malls, bustling sidewalks, and packed parking lots. It’s easy to get distracted while juggling shopping bags and phone notifications, but staying aware is one of the simplest family safety guidelines to follow.

• Park in well-lit areas and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight.
  
• Hold hands with children and establish a meeting point in case anyone gets separated.
  
• Keep your purse or wallet close and never set them down while loading gifts or groceries.
  
• Stay calm if lost. If a child becomes separated, teach them to find a uniformed store employee or a parent with children rather than wandering.

Staying alert in public spaces helps you keep the holidays cheerful, not stressful.

4. Practice Safe Decorating Habits

Decking the halls is part of the fun, but holiday decorations can create hazards if not handled properly. Following Christmas safety guidelines can help you avoid injuries or damage while still creating a festive atmosphere.

• Check electrical cords for cracks or exposed wires before plugging them in.
  
• Avoid overloading outlets or connecting too many light strands together.
  
• Keep candles stable and out of reach of children or pets.
  
• Supervise battery charging. Chargers and adapters can overheat and cause burns if left unattended.
  
• Be cautious with ladders. Always have someone nearby to steady the base when hanging lights or ornaments.

When decorating, remember that safety is part of the beauty of the season.

5. Keep an Eye on Kids and Toys

Gift-giving brings joy to every age, but not every toy is safe for every child. Follow these family safety guidelines to make sure the fun stays accident-free:

• Avoid small parts for children under three to prevent choking.
  
• Skip toys with magnets or batteries for kids under six, as swallowing them can cause internal injuries.
  
• Use helmets and pads with ride-on toys, skates, or bikes.
  
• Supervise play with projectile toys like darts or air rockets to prevent eye injuries.
  
• Oversee battery charging. Chargers can pose a thermal burn hazard, so keep them out of reach.

Thoughtful toy selection and supervision go a long way toward keeping little ones safe and happy.

6. Celebrate Responsibly

Holiday parties bring laughter, food, and drinks, but moderation is key. Following a few party safety tips can help everyone have a great time while staying safe.

• Pace yourself with alcohol. Drink water between beverages and eat food to slow absorption.
  
• Choose a designated driver before the party begins or arrange a ride-share.
  
• Provide non-alcoholic options for guests who don’t drink.
  
• Store leftovers safely. Refrigerate perishables promptly to protect your health and wellness during the holidays.

If you’re hosting, remember that your guests’ safety begins the moment they walk in and ends when they get home safely.

7. Prepare for Emergencies

Even with the best preparation, accidents can happen. A little emergency preparedness goes a long way toward reducing panic and keeping your family calm in a crisis.

• Keep a first-aid kit stocked with essentials like bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers.
  
• Post emergency contacts near the phone for babysitters or guests.
  
• Review your home’s escape routes and make sure everyone knows how to exit quickly.
  
• Store flashlights and batteries in easy-to-reach locations in case of power outages.

Preparedness is peace of mind. It allows you to focus on the joy of the season, knowing you have safeguards in place.

8. Balance Celebration and Self-Care

The holidays can take a toll on mental and physical health. Between travel, events, and late nights, it’s easy to forget about rest and nutrition. Focusing on health and wellness during holidays keeps your body and mind strong.

• Get plenty of sleep before big gatherings.
  
• Take short breaks during long days of entertaining.
  
• Stay hydrated and don’t skip meals.
  
• Spend time outdoors, even for a quick walk or coffee on the porch.

Simple self-care habits will help you recharge and enjoy every moment of the holiday season.

A Safe and Joyful Season Awaits

Celebrating the holidays in Alabama should be a time of comfort, gratitude, and connection. By keeping these holiday safety tips in mind, you can protect what matters most while embracing all the warmth and joy this season brings.

Take the time to slow down, plan ahead, and enjoy the peace that comes with knowing your home and loved ones are safe.

Happy holidays from the Shoal Creek community—may your season be filled with laughter, light, and lasting memories.

Find Your Place at Shoal Creek

Surround yourself with beauty and craftsmanship this holiday season. Explore available lots and homes for sale, from wooded hideaways to scenic waterfronts. Build a home that reflects your lifestyle and enjoy a community where comfort and nature meet. Call (205) 991-4653 to begin your journey today.