Holiday Hazards: How to Protect Your Home and Family This Festive Season

As the festive season approaches, we fill our homes with cheer, decorations, and gatherings, but certain risks around the home can increase. From holiday lights and decorations to seasonal travel plans, taking some preventive steps can ensure your home stays safe and your family is protected. Here’s how to manage common holiday risks to enjoy the season with peace of mind.

1. Fire Safety with Holiday Decorations

Holiday lights and candles add warmth to your home but also increase the risk of fires. December is the peak time for home fires caused by candles and holiday decorations. Here are some tips to stay safe:

• Choose fire-resistant decorations: Opt for flame-retardant or non-combustible decorations, especially when decorating your tree.
• Inspect your lights: Before hanging up any lights, check for frayed wires, cracked sockets, or loose connections, and replace damaged lights immediately.
• Be mindful with candles: Keep candles away from flammable decorations and place them in secure holders, well out of reach of children and pets.
• Turn off lights at night: Unplug lights and extinguish candles before leaving the house or going to bed to minimize risks.

2. Preventing Slips and Falls on Icy Walkways

With winter weather comes snow, ice, and slippery surfaces. Icy walkways and driveways can lead to injuries, and as a homeowner, you’re responsible for keeping these areas safe for visitors. Here’s how:

• Clear snow and ice promptly: Shovel your driveway and walkways as soon as possible after a snowfall. Regularly apply ice melt or sand to reduce slipping hazards.
• Check for hazards: Look for uneven surfaces or broken steps that could be dangerous when slippery, and consider installing handrails for extra support.
• Provide lighting: If guests visit at night, ensure walkways are well-lit so they can see icy patches or obstacles.

Many home insurance policies cover liabilities for accidents on your property, but taking precautions can prevent injuries and unwanted claims.

3. Package Theft Prevention

With the rise in online shopping, package deliveries surge during the holidays, making unattended deliveries vulnerable to theft. Prevent “porch pirates” from spoiling your holiday plans with these strategies:

• Schedule deliveries when you’re home: If possible, arrange for packages to arrive when you’re available to receive them.
• Use delivery lockers or trusted neighbours: Many courier services offer secure lockers, or you can ask a neighbour to collect packages on your behalf.
• Install a security camera: A visible camera can act as a deterrent, and many models allow you to monitor deliveries in real-time.

4. Protecting Your Home While Traveling

If you’re heading out of town, a few security measures can give you peace of mind:

• Alert a trusted neighbour: Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your property, collect your mail, and shovel snow, giving the impression that someone is home.
• Use smart home technology: Automate your lights or install motion detectors to make it look like you’re home even when you’re away.
• Secure valuables: Ensure any valuables are in a safe location, either in a secure safe at home or a safety deposit box.

5. Review Your Insurance Coverage

The festive season can bring unique risks, so it’s a good time to review your insurance policy. Seasonal changes, new purchases, and holiday guests could affect your coverage needs:

• Check for adequate fire and theft protection: Confirm your policy covers fire and theft, especially for high-value seasonal purchases.
• Consider liability coverage: Check with your broker if liability coverage will protect your guests from any accidental injuries that occur on your property.

Staying Protected this Holiday Season

The holidays are a time for joy and celebration, but by taking a few proactive steps, you can safeguard your home, family, and guests from unexpected mishaps. Ensuring your insurance coverage is up-to-date will give you extra peace of mind, so you can focus on enjoying the season with those you love. Call one of our brokers at 905-830-9000.                        

Disclaimer:

At ICD Insurance, we aim to provide accurate, up-to-date information. However, insurance needs vary, and coverage depends on specific policies, locations, and providers. This content is for general information only and may not fully apply to your situation. Please contact your ICD Insurance broker to discuss your specific needs and coverage.