Holiday Decorating Safety: Protect Your Home and Family This Season

December 13, 2024

The holiday season is a time for celebration and creating memories, but it also brings increased risks to your home and family. From fire hazards caused by holiday lights to liability risks from accidents on your property, staying protected is essential. As one of the leading independent insurance agencies in Pennsylvania, Sablich Insurance Group is here to help you reduce risks and safeguard what matters most.

1. Prevent Holiday Fires with Proper Light Safety

Inspect Electrical Decorations: Before you plug in holiday lights, check for frayed cords, cracked sockets, or loose connections. Damaged lights can spark fires, putting your home at risk.
Avoid Overloading Circuits: Plugging in too many decorations can overload your electrical system, leading to fires. Use surge protectors and follow safety guidelines.
Turn Off Lights at Night: Prevent accidents by using timers or manually unplugging lights when you’re asleep or away from home.

2. Protect Your Home with Flame-Resistant Holiday Decor

Invest in artificial Christmas trees labeled flame-resistant to reduce the risk of fires caused by electrical lights.
If you use candles, keep them away from flammable items like curtains or paper decorations. Better yet, use battery-operated LED candles for a safer option.

3. Keep Real Trees Safe and Secure

Real trees can dry out quickly and become highly flammable. Keep yours hydrated by watering it daily.
Place your tree at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces or radiators.
Dispose of the tree promptly after the holiday to avoid fire hazards.

4. Outdoor Decorating Safety Tips for Homeowners

Use a stable ladder and have a helper when hanging lights or decorations outside. This reduces the risk of falls, a common cause of liability claims.
Only use outdoor-rated extension cords and lights to prevent electrical hazards in snowy or rainy weather.

5. Prevent Liability Claims with Secure Decorations

Anchor large inflatables or outdoor displays to avoid damage from wind.
Inside the home, keep heavy decorations and fragile ornaments out of reach of children and pets.

6. Child and Pet Safety Around Holiday Decor

Avoid using small decorations, tinsel, or ribbons that could be swallowed by pets or children.
Secure electrical cords to prevent tripping hazards or chewing by pets.

7. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Increased use of electrical lights, candles, and fireplaces during the holidays can elevate the risk of fires. Test smoke detectors and replace their batteries as needed.
If you have a fireplace, schedule a chimney inspection to ensure it’s safe to use this season.

8. Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

The holidays bring unique risks, from property damage to liability concerns. Ensure your insurance policy offers adequate coverage for accidents, fires, or other unexpected events. If you’re unsure, our team at Sablich Insurance Group is here to help. We’ll review your current coverage and recommend updates to keep your family protected.

The holidays should be a time of joy, not worry. By taking these precautions, you can reduce risks and focus on celebrating with loved ones. At Sablich Insurance Group, we specialize in providing customized insurance solutions to protect your home and family throughout the year. Contact us today to review your policy and ensure your holidays are safe and stress-free.

Sablich Insurance Group is licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.