By Lana Bingham
Face it, not everything is going to go perfectly smooth this holiday season. As a Tampa custom builder, we take safety very seriously and believe that the best way to avoid any “merry mishaps” is to be prepared and proactive. Follow these 5 tips to avoid any holiday hitches that may come your way.
Problem # 1 – You’re competing with Clark Griswold for “Best Christmas Lights” in the neighborhood and you want to avoid clumsy accidents.
While it offers great amusement to watch Clark in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” as he falls off his roof, sets fire to his Christmas tree, and causes a sewer explosion, nobody actually wishes this type of bad luck on themselves. Before stringing up the lights, carefully check for broken bulbs and faulty wiring. When selecting your tree, stay away from those that look dry and dehydrated. If you are going artificial this year, use a fire-resistant product. Also, be sure to not over exert your power strips and extension cords, as this could lead to a serious house fire. 
Problem # 2 – You want to avoid serving a dinner that is over-cooked or that there will be “A Christmas Story” re-enactment and the neighbor’s dogs will eat your turkey before you get a chance to.
While it may be unavoidable to protect your Christmas bird from hungry hounds, there are a few cooking measures you can take to ensure that dinner is a success. Since your main course is usually the most anticipated and time-consuming item on the menu, you need an appliance that can handle the heat. The Wolf Steam and Convection Oven cooks food faster and healthier than a regular oven, and is capable of sealing in moisture while browning the outside of your Turkey. Viking and Thermador also offer similar products.
Problem # 3 – You’re a bit like“The Grinch,” who has only enough room in your small heart for your dog, Max. You want him to be part of all the fun festivities but want to keep him safe.
You may love your pets, but be cautious what you feed them. Don’t leave boxes of chocolates lying around, and be careful when disposing of bones from your holiday meal. Refer back to Clark Griswold and his cousin’s misbehaving dog “Snots” who dug through the garbage and ended up “yacking on a bone” that almost choked him. Mistletoes, holly berries and Christmas Cacti must also be kept out of reach of pets. Although beautiful, these poisonous plants can cause serious sickness if swallowed.
Problem # 4 – You are going out of town for the holidays and will be leaving your house “Home Alone,” which may provide an easy target for burglars like the “wet-bandits.”
Thankfully, since the premier of this favorite holiday film, home security has greatly increased. New home builders Tampa recommend installing innovative home automation features, allowing you to monitor the inside of your home while you are off celebrating in another state. You can now use your iPhone to control door locks and turn your lights on at night, creating a worry-free holiday vacation.
Problem # 5 – You want to experience a “White Christmas,” but you live in Florida.
Sunshine and palm trees year-round don’t exactly fit the stereotype of Christmas, but there are a few things you can do to “let it snow” in your home. White cotton blankets, glittery pinecones, and artificial snow can create a winter wonderland indoors and around your tree. You can even try a homemade snow globe.
With over-demanding in-laws, holiday parties to plan and attend and lists of Christmas gifts to find, we have enough to stress about during the holidays, and we don’t need to add safety to the list. Follow these tips to solve home-related problems before they happen and have a safe and happy holiday!
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