Unique Holiday Safety Tips

by | Education, Safety, Tips

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it’s also a time to prioritize safety. With increased travel, decorating, and festivities, risks can arise if you’re not prepared. Taking a few proactive steps can help protect your home, business, and loved ones. Whether it’s securing your property, updating your insurance policies, or practicing smart maintenance, these precautions can make the holidays stress-free. Small actions today can prevent big problems tomorrow. At McShea Insurance Agency, we’re here to help you navigate the season with confidence. Use these holiday safety tips to protect your property, loved ones, and peace of mind:

Security Tips:

 

Install a Security System

  • Protect your property by installing a security system.
  • Monitor activity remotely for year-round peace of mind.
  • Notify your insurance agent about the new system.
  • You may qualify for discounts on your policy.

Let Neighboring Businesses Know Your Travel Plans

  • Share your travel dates with trusted neighboring businesses.
  • Ask them to watch for suspicious activity or deliveries.
  • A supportive network helps keep your property secure.

Review Your Insurance Policy after the Holidays

  • New gifts and valuables may need added protection.
  • Contact your agent to review and update coverage.
  • Make sure your new items are fully insured.

Maintenance Tips

Fire hazards

  • Extinguish candles before leaving or going to bed.
  • Choose flameless candles for a safer alternative.
  • Conduct a seasonal check of the heating system, especially on the flue pipe that connects to the chimney, to ensure there are no potential fire issues.
  • Check smoke detectors. Make sure they’re operating well and are not more than 10 years old. Consider installing photoelectric smoke detectors with 10-year lithium batteries. If using combination fire/CO detectors, use units that have the “talking” feature.

Practice Ladder Safety

  • Inspect your ladder before using it for decorations.
  • Avoid using damaged or unstable ladders.

Keep Sidewalks Cleared

  • Clear ice and snow from sidewalks to prevent accidents.
  • Ensure your property is safe for visitors and customers.

Electrical Safety Tips

Shop With Known Retailers

  • Buy only from reputable websites or official retailer apps.
  • Avoid clicking suspicious links on social media.
  • Decorative lighting is not designed for continuous, yearlong use. Strands should be used no more than 90 days to avoid short-circuits. A 2021 NFPA study found fires caused by electrical malfunctions were responsible for a large share of direct property damage at over 21%.

Use a Secure Wi-Fi Network

  • Public Wi-Fi can expose your personal information.
  • Shop on a secure, password-protected network instead.

Invest in Identity Theft Protection

  • Identity theft protection can help cover financial losses.
  • Talk to your agent about coverage for cyber threats.

Risk-Free Holiday Decorating

Hire a Professional

  • Professionals can safely hang outdoor holiday decorations.
  • Ensure the company is licensed and insured.

Choose the Right Tree

  • Select fire-resistant artificial trees for extra safety.
  • For real trees, water frequently and clear fallen needles.

Inspect Holiday Lights

  • Check light strands for damaged or exposed wires.
  • Replace faulty decorations to avoid fires or shocks.
  • Prevent light string overload: Always follow the manufacturer’s limits for the maximum number of light strings that are connected to prevent string overloads.
  • Do not affix light strings to the wall using staples or other sharp products not specifically designed for securing wire that could puncture them and damage the wire insulation.

Holiday Driving Tips

Review Your Auto Insurance Policy

  • Ensure your coverage protects against holiday travel risks.
  • Discuss additional coverage with your insurance agent.

Take Regular Breaks

  • Avoid driving while fatigued by taking frequent stops.
  • Rested drivers reduce the risk of accidents.

Don’t Overload Your Outlets

  • Overloaded outlets can spark fires or short circuits.
  • Keep electrical usage under 80% of your outlet’s capacity.

Use the Right Types of Lights

  • Only use outdoor-rated lights for exterior decorating.
  • Turn off electrical decorations when leaving for the night.

 

Enjoy the season while prioritizing safety. The holidays are meant to be a time of happiness and togetherness, not stress or worry. By following these tips, you can protect what matters most and enjoy the season with peace of mind. From installing security systems to practicing safe decorating, small changes can have a big impact. Remember to review your insurance policies to ensure you’re covered for any unexpected events. If you have questions or need assistance, McShea Insurance Agency is just a call or email away: insure@mcsheainsurance.com. Let’s work together to make this holiday season your safest and most joyful one yet. Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season!