The holiday season is a time to be merry with family and friends in a festive home, not a time to be involved in an unforeseen accident in the household. Due to several contributing factors such as; electrical lights, kitchen accidents, home fires, theft, etc., the holiday season may cause homeowners financial distress and the pressure to file a claim. Data from Allstate Insurance company reveals approximately 67,500 homeowners insurance claims occur during the holiday season.
The busy activity of the holiday season can present an influx of accidents all around. Here are the most common types of accidents in the home and what you can do to reduce the likelihood of a holiday mishap.
Home Fires
Fire hazards are one of the most common claims filed by homeowners during the festive season. Although most homeowners' insurance covers home fires, it's always advisable to reduce the chances of flames emerging in your home by taking extra safety precautions. A fire can arise in several ways, due to:
Cooking Accidents In The Kitchen
The holidays bring delicious home-cooked meals — however, meal preparations can become hectic. Distractions (from extra guests passing through the home or multitasking) can lead to accidental scalds, burns, or fires.
Whether you're hosting a dinner this year or are attending one, it's essential to remove potential hazards from the kitchen. Ensure your kitchen is a safe space by:
Minimizing the number of guests.
Staying alert while cooking on the stove.
Keeping children out of the way and occupied.
Avoid placing flammable items on the stovetop.
Dry Christmas Tree
Having a dry Christmas tree in your home can be a dangerous fire hazard. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S fire departments responded to approximately 160 home fires that emerged with Christmas trees per year between 2014-2018.
Electrical or Lighting Equipment
If not distributed properly, strings of electrical lights and lighting equipment can cause electrical-related fires and electrical shock. Electrical and lighting equipment was involved in almost half (45%) of home Christmas tree fires.
Tips To Prevent House Fires This Holiday Season
A dangerous fire can be deadly to your household and loved ones; it may cause property damage, injury, or even death. To protect your home from an emerging house fire, take appropriate precautions such as; ensuring smoke alarms are working correctly and keeping electrical equipment away from Christmas trees. The safest way to keep your home free from fire hazards is to ensure that:
Buy an artificial tree; this can reduce the chance of a fire caused by a real bone-dry tree.
Use timers to track all the food when cooking; taking this action will help you focus on what needs to be done and stay alert to reduce the risk of burning the food and resulting in burns from a cooking fire.
Theft
During the holidays, there is an influx of loved ones traveling to parties and festivities, people are off from work in the evenings, and there is a possibility of an empty home with expensive gifts inside. These circumstances may contribute to a crime such as theft, burglary, or robbery. According to the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), reports show an increase in robbery and personal larceny in December. Typically, homeowners insurance can cover theft; however, it’s essential to take preventative measures to ensure your home is safe from a potential crime.
Tips To Keep Your Household Crime-Free During The Holidays
Install home security cameras surrounding the perimeters of your property.
Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked.
If need be, have outdoor lights surrounding your premises.
Ask a neighbor to watch your home if you are away.
Avoid keeping spare keys outside your home.
Chad J. Robinson, PLLC wants everyone to have a safe and happy holiday season! If a home insurance claim has impacted you or someone you love during the holidays, contact us at (561) 564-0233 for a free case consultation. Our dedicated team can assist you with all your legal needs; we work tirelessly to get our clients the justice they deserve.