Lunar New Year | Beware of Home Safety Hazards

Lunar New Year is one of the most important traditional festivals for Chinese people, with families busy with spring cleaning, decorating for the New Year, and preparing the New Year's Eve dinner. However, home safety is often overlooked during this festive season, leading to potential safety hazards. As an insurance brokerage company, AWM reminds everyone to pay attention to home safety while enjoying the festive atmosphere and to avoid unnecessary accidents

Here are some common home safety hazards and related preventative measures to ensure you and your family can welcome the new year with peace of mind:

Home safety hazard 1: Electrical overload

During the Lunar New Year period, many families use a large number of electrical appliances, such as induction cookers, hot pot stoves, and lighting fixtures. If multiple power-consuming appliances operate simultaneously, it can lead to circuit overload or even short circuits, posing a fire hazard. Here are some practical suggestions:

1. Avoid overloading sockets: Do not connect multiple high-power appliances to the same socket, and choose sockets with overload protection.

2. Check for wire aging: Before use, check the wire for damage or signs of aging to avoid short circuits.

3. Turn off unnecessary electrical appliances: Remember to unplug them when not in use, especially high-power-consuming devices such as lights and heaters.

4. Turn off the appliance before unplugging it: Always turn off the appliance before unplugging it. This prevents the creation of an electric arc (sparks that occur when the plug and socket come into contact) when unplugging the appliance. An electric arc can damage the socket or plug and may even cause a fire.

Home safety hazard #2: Fire risks associated with New Year decorations

During the Lunar New Year, homes are decorated with various festive ornaments, such as lanterns, string lights, and couplets. While these decorations add to the festive atmosphere, they may also pose safety hazards

1. Choose fire-resistant materials: When purchasing decorative items, choose products made of fire-resistant or flame-retardant materials to reduce the risk of fire.

2. Avoid overheating: Electrical decorations such as string lights may overheat if used for too long. It is recommended to turn them off every few hours to allow them to cool down.

3. Keep away from fire sources: Keep decorations away from open flames, such as candles or stoves, to prevent them from being ignited by sparks or high temperatures.

Home safety hazard three: Kitchen accidents

The Lunar New Year's Eve dinner and reunion dinner are the highlights of the New Year celebrations, but the kitchen is also a high-risk area for accidents. Here are some kitchen safety tips:

1. Preventing oil fires: When cooking, never leave the stove unattended for extended periods, especially when frying food, as excessively high oil temperatures may cause a fire. If an oil fire occurs, do not extinguish it with water; instead, cover it with a damp towel or use a fire extinguisher.

2. Store sharp objects properly: Knives, scissors and other sharp objects should be stored in a safe place to prevent children from accidentally touching them.

3. Pay attention to gas safety: When using gas, ensure good ventilation and regularly check the gas pipeline for leaks.

Home safety hazard four: Accidents during spring cleaning

Spring cleaning is an important tradition for welcoming the New Year, but accidents can easily occur during the process, such as climbing to high places or moving heavy objects. Here are some safety tips:

1. Use a sturdy ladder: When wiping windows or cleaning high places, use a sturdy ladder and make sure someone is there to assist you.

2. Wear non-slip shoes: When cleaning the floor, you may slip and fall due to the wet surface. It is recommended to wear non-slip shoes to increase stability.

3. Safe Window Cleaning: The Consumer Council points out that many falls are caused by leaning out of windows, so extra caution is needed when cleaning windows. Housewives should never remove window grilles or stick their bodies excessively out of the window when cleaning windows. When using low chairs or ladders, ensure the tools are stable and balanced, and it is recommended to use retractable window cleaning sticks to clean areas that are out of reach. Furthermore, never use window sashes or frames for leverage, as the screws or hinges of aluminum windows may have rusted over time, posing a risk of falling with the window. If there are young children in the home, it is recommended to install window safety barriers, even if window grilles are not installed, to prevent accidents.

Home safety hazard five: Pet safety

During the New Year period, there may be more guests visiting your home, which may make your pets uncomfortable and could even lead to accidents

1. Keep away from dangerous items: Store fragile items, wires, and small decorations to prevent pets from accidentally ingesting them or getting injured.

2. Pay attention to diet: New Year foods such as chocolate, alcohol, or sugary foods are harmful to pets and should be avoided.

3. Provide a safe space: Prepare a quiet space for your pet so they can avoid crowds or excessive stimulation.

How to use insurance to protect your home safety

Even with preventative measures, accidents can still happen. Therefore, purchasing suitable home insurance is crucial for protecting your property. Home insurance typically covers the following areas:

1. Fire loss: Insurance provides compensation for property damage caused by fire.

2. Theft losses: During the Lunar New Year, some families may go out to visit relatives and friends, which is a peak period for burglaries. Home insurance can cover related losses.

3. Accidental damage: Insurance also provides coverage for household equipment damaged by accidents.

If you have any questions or need assistance choosing a suitable insurance plan, please feel freeto contactus. Our professional team will compare home insurance plans on the market to provide you with the most suitable insurance solution, ensuring your home is safe and secure.

The Lunar New Year is a time for family reunions and joyful celebrations, but safety is paramount. From appliance use and decorating, from kitchen safety to spring cleaning, and even pet and fireworks management, we all need to be vigilant. Furthermore, choosing appropriate home insurance can provide additional protection for your home. Let's all have a safe and happy New Year!