The holiday season is a time for celebration, but with all the joy and excitement, it’s easy to overlook the potential risks that come with this time of year. Whether you’re traveling, decorating, or hosting gatherings, taking a few precautions can help keep your home safe and ensure your insurance coverage is ready for the unexpected. Here are some essential holiday safety and insurance tips for homeowners to consider this season.
1. Protect Your Home While Traveling
If you're planning to spend the holidays away from home, make sure your property is secure:
- Hold Your Mail: A pile of mail or packages can signal burglars that no one is home. Put your mail on hold or ask a trusted neighbor to collect it.
- Install Security Systems: Video doorbells, motion detectors, and alarm systems are excellent deterrents and can give you peace of mind while you’re away.
- Double-Check Your Insurance: Verify that your homeowners' insurance policy includes coverage for theft or vandalism during your absence. If you’ve made any major purchases this year, such as new electronics or appliances, ensure they're included in your coverage.
2. Fire Safety: Decorate Responsibly
Holiday decorations create a festive atmosphere, but they can also pose a few fire risks:
- Check Your Lights: Inspect holiday lights for frayed wires, broken bulbs, or loose connections before using them. Always turn them off when leaving home or going to bed.
- Water Your Tree: A dry tree can catch fire in seconds. Keep it hydrated and place it away from heat sources like fireplaces or radiators while inside.
- Candle Caution: If you’re using candles, keep them away from flammable decorations and never leave them unattended. Better yet, opt for flameless LED candles for the same cozy glow.
3. Safeguard Against Winter Weather
Wisconsin winters can be harsh, and extreme cold can lead to costly damages if precautions aren’t taken:
- Prevent Frozen Pipes: Insulate exposed pipes and let faucets drip during extreme cold to prevent freezing. If your home will be empty, keep the heat set to at least 55°F.
- Clear Snow and Ice: Regularly shovel walkways and salt icy areas to prevent slip-and-fall accidents, which could lead to liability claims.
- Review Your Coverage: Confirm your homeowners’ insurance policy covers weather-related damages, such as ice dams, roof collapses, or burst pipes.
4. Protect Your Holiday Valuables
Holiday shopping and gift-giving often include high-value items like electronics, jewelry, or collectibles:
- Inventory Your Belongings: Create a detailed list of new purchases and their receipts. This will simplify the claims process if an item is stolen or damaged.
- Consider Scheduled Coverage: For particularly valuable items, you may need to add a “scheduled personal property endorsement” to your homeowners’ policy. This provides extra protection for items like engagement rings or rare collectibles.
5. Plan for Holiday Gatherings
If you’re hosting family or friends, take extra steps to ensure everyone’s safety:
- Clear Home Hazards: Remove tripping hazards, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and check that your homeowners’ liability coverage is up to date.
- Serve Responsibly: If you’re serving alcohol, remember you could be held liable for accidents caused by over-served guests. Encourage designated drivers and offer non-alcoholic beverages.
- Pet Precautions: If you have pets, make sure they are comfortable and safe around guests, and let visitors know in advance if there are animals in the home.
Peace of Mind This Holiday Season
Taking these steps can help you focus on the joys of the season without unnecessary worries. At American Advantage Lindow Insurance, we understand the importance of protecting what matters most. Whether it’s reviewing your homeowners’ policy, adding coverage for valuable items, or ensuring you’re prepared for winter weather, we’re here to help.
For a free policy review or to discuss your unique insurance needs, contact us today. Have a happy and safe holiday season!
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