Holiday Safety Precautions From GRS

Christina Mullins • December 22, 2020

This month, our blog topics have focused on holiday safety, wintertime safety and ground maintenance. As Christmas Day and the new year quickly approaches, we wanted to give some more holiday safety tips this week. At Guarantee Restoration Services, we value safety as our number one priority. This holiday season, it is important to remember that disaster strikes when you least expect it to. That’s why you should be mindful of the following holiday safety precautions!


HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS: O, CHRISTMAS TREE

When it comes to Christmas trees, many people believe fresh trees are the best trees. A tree that is too dry can easily catch fire, which makes real trees one of the most common holiday safety hazards. Regularly, trim at least one inch from the bottom of the tree. Doing so will increase the tree’s ability to absorb water. Live trees need a lot of water, so check the water level and refill as often as needed.


Is your tree dry or dead? Did you answer yes to either one of these questions? Then, it is time for it to go! Once your tree becomes dry, or the needles start to fall off in large quantities, it is time to dispose of the tree. Never burn old trees or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. Instead, take your tree to a recycling center or have it removed by a community pick-up service.


On the other hand, some prefer artificial trees. Some people are allergic and cannot have the real thing. It’s alright to “fake it ‘til you make it,” but if you buy an artificial tree, make sure that it is made of fire-resistant material.


HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS: DECORATIONS OF RED

Do not overload electrical sockets by plugging in too many cords into a single outlet. When no one is home or when everyone goes to sleep, remember to unplug your holiday lights. Be sure to check older lights for frayed edges or bare spots and throw out any damaged cords.


Indoor lights are for the indoors, only. Never use indoor lights outside. These lights are not made to withstand the outdoor elements. If they get wet, they can cause an electric shock. Remove outdoor lighting as soon as the season is over. Even specially created outdoor decorations are not designed to withstand the prolonged weather exposure.

Wrapping paper is for your trash can. Never burn wrapping paper in the fireplace. This may release fire-starting embers or produce a build-up of dangerous chemical fumes in the home.


HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS: HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

If you entertain guests who smoke, provide ashtrays and check for cigarette butts in upholstered furniture before going to bed. Cigarette fires are a leading cause of fire fatalities in the homes.


It may sound simple, but do not leave your stove unattended when cooking. In the excitement of entertaining family and friends, it is easy to forget something on the stove and leave it to burn, causing a potential fire hazard.


HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS: CHILDREN AND PETS

Another important holiday safety precaution is to keep an out for the breakables. Place all ornaments and candles out of reach of small children and pets. Small or breakable ornaments can be easily knocked down, which can result in cuts or choking. Curious children and playful pets can topple a tree in seconds, causing potentially serious injuries. And, no one wants an ER or urgent care visit on Christmas!


In addition, it is be mindful of toxic decorations. Mistletoe and holly berries may be poisonous if more than a few are swallowed. Old tinsel may contain lead, so discard old tinsel if you are not sure of its composition. Lastly, fire salts contain heavy metals, which if swallowed, may cause serious gastrointestinal problems and vomiting.


HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS: CANDLES

Smells of pine, balsam, gingerbread and hot cocoa fill our homes and businesses, but not without dangers. Most of us think nothing of lighting a candle to warm the air or fill it with our favorite scents! One part of holiday safety that cannot be forgotten is to check your candles frequently to make sure they do not burn down too far or drip hot wax. Ensure that candles are placed in sturdy, non-combustible holders that are placed away from decorations and other combustible materials.


Clean and trim candlewicks. Cut them down to ⅛ inch to ¼ inch before lighting. Long or crooked wicks cause uneven burning and dripping. Candles should be placed at least three inches apart so they do not melt onto one another. Keep candles free of wick trimmings, matches or any flammable material that may ignite.


OUR GUARANTEE TO YOU

Although our four offices are closed Thursday, December 24th and Friday, December 25th, we know fire emergencies due to holiday safety hazards can happen at any time. That is why our team is available 24/7, which is not just a number, it’s a GUARANTEE. For immediate assistance following fire damage or another property emergency, call 800-349-HELP (4357).

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The Dangers of Hidden Water Damage in Commercial Properties

By Adrianne Hungerford • June 3, 2026
Hidden moisture can damage commercial buildings long before it's visible. Learn the risks, warning signs, and importance of professional mitigation.

Why Pre-Loss Planning Matters for Lafayette Properties on the Gulf Coast

By Jeremy Cryer • May 27, 2026
On the Gulf Coast, preparation isn’t optional. It’s simply a part of doing business. From hurricane season to heavy rain events and everything in between, properties in Lafayette face a different level of risk than most. And when something does happen, the difference between a smooth recovery and a stressful situation often comes down to one thing: having a plan in place with the right team. Why Pre-Loss Planning Looks Different in Lafayette Pre-loss planning looks a little different here because the risks are different. It’s not just about knowing where your shutoffs are or having a list of contacts. It’s about understanding how quickly a storm can shift, how water can move through a property, and how to respond when multiple buildings or locations are impacted at once. That kind of preparation requires more than a template. It requires local knowledge. At Guarantee Restoration Services, our Lafayette team builds pre-loss plans with that in mind. We take into account the specific challenges that come with properties in Acadiana, including wind-driven rain, tornado threats, and the potential for widespread damage across an entire area. That allows us to create a plan that is realistic, not just theoretical. The Importance of Having a Clear Path Forward “We’ve seen how quickly things can escalate during a storm event. Having a pre-loss plan in place gives our clients a clear path forward instead of trying to figure it out in the middle of the chaos,” said Craig Rose, Mitigation Manager at our Lafayette Branch. That “clear path forward” is what makes the biggest difference. When a storm hits, response times are everything, but so is access. Roads can be blocked, power can be out, and communication can be limited. A strong pre-loss plan accounts for those variables and ensures that response efforts can begin as soon as it is safe to do so. Protecting Operations, Employees, and Tenants It also helps property teams stay focused on what matters most. Instead of trying to coordinate vendors, track down information, or make high-pressure decisions, they can follow a plan that has already been built around their property and their priorities. From a business standpoint, that level of preparation protects more than just the building. It protects operations, tenants, employees, and timelines. Building Trust Before Disaster Strikes “Pre-loss planning is about building trust before there’s ever a problem. Our clients know who to call, what to expect, and how we’re going to support them when something happens,” said Paige Hebert, Business Development Representative in Lafayette. That trust and familiarity matter, especially in a region where large-scale events can impact entire communities at once. You are not just calling a company, you are calling a team that already understands your property, your risks, and your expectations. Be Realistic. Be Ready. Pre-loss planning on the Gulf Coast is not about over-preparing. It is about being realistic and ready. Because when the next storm comes through Lafayette, it is not a matter of if you will need a plan—it is a matter of how well that plan works when it is put to the test. Call us today to schedule your Pre-Loss Planning meeting where 24/7 is not just a number… it’s a GUARANTEE!

How to Respond to Property Damage in the First 24 Hours

By Shawn Folks • May 20, 2026
When a disaster strikes and a loss happens, the clock starts immediately. The first 24 hours after a storm event or a fire loss are the most critical for any property. It is at this time that major decisions need to be made, the damage is either controlled or spreads, and the path to recovery is determined. These decisions are often rushed, unclear, and reactive without a plan in place. This is where having a pre-loss plan makes a measurable and meaningful difference. A pre-loss plan creates a clear starting point for you and your team instead of scrambling to figure out who to call, what steps to take, or how to protect the property. It removes reactive hesitation and replaces it with action to recover. Everyone involved knows their role and understands the process, allowing them to move quickly without second guessing. Speed matters in restoration. Water continues to spread; materials continue to deteriorate, and secondary damage, like mold, can begin in as little as 24 to 48 hours. The faster a response is initiated, the more damage can be contained. Pre-loss planning allows that response to begin immediately, not hours or days later. Other than fast action, it also brings clarity during a very chaotic and challenging moment. Property managers, facility teams, and business owners are not left out in the dark trying to make high-pressure decisions on the spot. Instead, they are following a plan that has already been thoroughly thought through, discussed, and tailored to their specific property’s needs. Communication can become fragmented without a plan. Another advantage to pre-loss planning is coordination. There are several moving parts including emergency services, restoration teams, and insurance carriers. Having a plan streamlines communication ensuring that everyone involved is aligned from the start. At Guarantee Restoration Services, pre-loss planning is designed to support the exact moment the dust settles. It’s not just about preparing documents to sign ahead of time; it’s about setting up our partners and clients to respond with confidence when it matters the most. From established points of contact to documented site conditions and response protocols, everything is built to protect time, reduce damage, and maintain control.  Many people think preparation is about preventing the worst from happening. Rather, it is about being ready when it happens. Because when those first 24 hours hit, you do not want to be figuring things out. You want to be executing a well-formulated, personalized plan for recovery. Call us today...where 24/7 isn’t just a number, it’s a GUARANTEE!
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