Avoid a Holiday Disaster: Winter Home Hazards You Can Prevent
How to Protect Your Home (and Your Holidays) from Common Cold-Season Catastrophes
The holidays in Alaska bring snow, twinkling lights, and time with family — but they can also bring frozen pipes, fire risks, and unexpected home emergencies. At Taylored Restoration, we see it every year: a small overlooked issue turns into a major problem right when families are trying to relax and celebrate.
The good news? Most of these cold-season disasters are 100% preventable with just a little preparation. Here's what to watch out for — and how to protect your home (and your holidays) from stress and costly damage.
🎄 1. Holiday Lights & Overloaded Outlets
We all love a well-lit home in December, but too many lights plugged into one outlet can overload your circuits and lead to electrical fires.
Tips:
Use surge protectors and outdoor-rated extension cords.
Don’t daisy-chain multiple power strips together.
Never leave lights on unattended overnight or while you're away.
Bonus: LED holiday lights use less energy and produce less heat — a safer, more efficient option!
❄️ 2. Frozen Pipes and Water Damage
Temperatures in Anchorage can dip rapidly — and if your pipes aren’t protected, they can freeze and burst, leading to major flooding and costly repairs.
Prevent it:
Insulate pipes in crawlspaces, garages, and along exterior walls.
Keep cabinet doors open under sinks to circulate warm air.
If leaving town, leave the heat on at 55°F or higher, and consider having someone check in.
🔥 3. Fireplace & Space Heater Safety
Cracking a fire or plugging in a heater makes things cozy — but it also increases fire risks if not handled properly.
Stay safe by:
Cleaning your chimney before use each year.
Keeping space heaters at least 3 feet from anything flammable.
Never leaving fireplaces or space heaters unattended.
🧊 4. Ice Dams & Roof Leaks
Snow that melts and refreezes on your roof can form ice dams, which trap water and force it under your shingles — and into your attic or walls.
Stop them before they start:
Keep your attic well-insulated and ventilated to prevent uneven roof temperatures.
Clear your gutters before the first heavy snow.
Consider installing heat cables if you’ve had problems in the past.
🏠 5. Leaving for the Holidays? Prep Before You Go
Whether you're heading to the Valley or flying out of state, leaving your home unprepared during an Alaska winter is risky.
Before you leave:
Shut off your main water supply (or at least your washing machine hose).
Double-check all windows and doors for drafts.
Unplug unnecessary electronics to reduce fire risk.
Let a neighbor or friend know you’ll be gone and how to reach you.
🎁 When in Doubt, Call Taylored
If something does go wrong this winter — from a burst pipe to fire or storm damage — you won’t be alone. Taylored Restoration offers 24/7 emergency services across Alaska. Our team will respond quickly, minimize damage, and get your home back on track.
📞 Need help or have questions? Call us anytime!
Stay safe, stay warm, and happy holidays from the Taylored Restoration family.