Safety is Key When Prepping Home for the Holidays

The holidays are just around the corner!  The end of the year brings joy, family gathering and parties.  We want to help you make the holiday season as spectacular as you make it and include safety tips to keep you out of possible sticky liability claims.

Parties are the best during the holiday season which means a house full of guests.  As a host, you are responsible for the environment and mishaps guests may encounter. 

1.  Keep your driveway/walkway, clear of debris. This means clip those shrubs, blow off fallen leaves, and check your holiday outdoor lighting for possible danger.  Injuries caused by tripping or sharp branches or edges can turn into possible claims.

2.  A lit fireplace is warm and appealing but can pose a fire hazard.  Check the shoot for debris and small pest.  Contact a chimney sweep or your local pest control tech. Debris and the wood burning in the center can become causes of smoke poisoning.  Ongoing maintenance during your party is a must-do.

3.  Many theft/burglary claims have occurred during parties or when away during the holiday season. Keep all doors of rooms shut and valuables out of sight.  If away, have a trustworthy neighbor or family member come check your home periodically and pick up mail and newspaper. 
Although some homeowners make home vaults the choice of storage for valuables, criminal activity is what you don't want in your home and near your family.  AGIS recommends valuables stored in a lock box at your bank.

4.  Burns.  Its easy to get burned when fires are lit.  Keep children out of the kitchen area and away from heated sources such as the fireplace, outdoor fire ring, even heaters.  Gates and fire screens are essential safety products.

5.  Alcohol.  The holidays are festive with food and wine.  But keep it at minimum for guests to help save the cost of headache, possible injuries and liability.  Wine or mixed drinks served with food is probably a better way of managing the meal course.  However, having fun non-alcoholic beverages is a sure way to keep the joy in your holiday festivities.

Most importantly, safety concern is not just an insurance matter, its been around forever.  Jiminy Cricket said it best:  I'm No Fool...