It’s that time of year again, and while you’re decking the halls and making merry, you can help make sure you’re not starting off the New Year with a homeowners’ claim by following our home safety tips for the holiday season – because it’s all good fun until grandma really does get run over by a reindeer.
- Make sure any artificial trees you buy are flame-resistant. This doesn’t guarantee it won’t catch fire, but it should be more difficult for it to catch fire and easier to extinguish.
- Cut a few inches from the trunk of your tree. This will help the tree absorb more water and make it less prone to catching fire.
- Keep any breakable or sharp decorations out of the reach of children – they love to get their hands on pretty decorations!
- Check all your light strands for frayed or broken wires. Replace any that are in poor condition.
- Make sure all of your outdoor decorations are plugged into circuits with ground fault circuit interrupters (this will help you avoid electric shocks).
- Turn off all lights and decorations when you leave the house or go to bed.
- If you haven’t had your fireplace cleaned or service this year, schedule the maintenance before using it.
- Never throw wrapping paper into the fireplace; these burn intensely and the fire can “leap” from the fireplace unexpectedly.
- Always keep your doors locked and alarm system on when out of the house. This time of year, burglars are after big-ticket Christmas items that may be wrapped under the tree.
- Review your insurance coverage for the New Year! If you’ll be making any major life changes (move, marriage, new baby, etc.) give me a call so I can help you go into 2013 covered!
What are your best tips for a safe holiday season?
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