December brings holiday cheer, sparkling lights, and cozy winter nights—but it also brings some of the highest risks for home fires, water damage, and winter storm damage. At ConstrucTEAM, Michigan’s trusted restoration company, we specialize in helping homeowners recover after disaster, but the best outcome is preventing damage before it happens.
Here are our top tips to keep your home safe and sound this holiday season.
Holiday Lights: Keep the Magic, Avoid the Mishaps
Holiday lighting accidents are a leading cause of house fires during the holidays. Before you plug in your seasonal display, make sure everything is safe.
Check Your Lights
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Look for cracked wires or damaged sockets
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Replace lights that are more than 8–10 years old
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Choose LED holiday lights—they run cooler and save energy
Indoor & Outdoor Safety
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Only use outdoor-rated extension cords for outdoor lighting
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Keep cords out of snow, slush, and high-traffic areas
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Avoid overloading circuits or daisy-chaining cords
When in Doubt… Unplug
Turn lights off before bed and whenever you’re away from home to reduce fire risk.
Out for Winter Water Damage
Freezing temperatures can lead to frozen pipes, burst pipes, and major water damage—one of the most common winter insurance claims.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
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Keep garage doors closed, especially if plumbing runs through it
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Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to improve air circulation
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Let faucets drip slightly during very low temperatures
If you discover a burst pipe or indoor flooding, ConstrucTEAM’s emergency water damage restoration team is ready to help mitigate and repair the damage fast.
Ice Dams: A Silent Winter Threat
Ice dams can cause significant roof leaks and hidden water intrusion. Over time, this leads to mold, rot, and damaged insulation.
How Ice Dams Form
Warm air escapes from the home → melts snow → refreezes at the gutters → backs up under shingles.
Prevent Ice Dams
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Improve attic insulation and ventilation
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Seal air leaks around chimneys, vents, and attic hatches
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Use a roof rake to safely remove excess snow
If winter weather leads to interior water damage, our experts provide complete water mitigation and structural drying services.
Fireplace & Heater Safety
Winter heating is one of the top causes of residential fires. Taking simple precautions can protect your home from fire and smoke damage.
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Clean chimneys and fireplaces before first use
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Keep flammable materials at least 3 feet away
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Use a protective screen and burn only seasoned wood
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Never leave a fire or space heater unattended
Should the unexpected happen, ConstrucTEAM offers full fire damage restoration, including smoke cleanup, odor removal, and reconstruction.
Traveling for the Holidays? Protect Your Home While You’re Away
If you’ll be gone for more than a couple of days:
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Turn off the main water supply
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Set thermostat to at least 55°F
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Install smart plugs or timers for holiday lights
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Ask a neighbor to check on your home after storms
These simple steps can help prevent winter storm damage, frozen pipes, and undetected leaks.
A Safe & Bright Holiday Season Starts with Prevention
Winter weather can be tough on Michigan homes—but with a little preparation, you can enjoy a season full of warmth, celebrations, and peace of mind.
If winter hazards catch you off-guard, ConstrucTEAM is here with trusted restoration services, including:
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Water damage restoration
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Fire and smoke damage cleanup
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Mold remediation
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Storm damage repair
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Reconstruction and remodeling
Stay safe, stay warm, and happy holidays from all of us at ConstrucTEAM!
