For those who love family gatherings, parties and events, this is a favorite time of year. Get started on your planning early so you have a safe and special holiday. Below we have put together some great planning tips that will help you make your holiday fun and safe.

Holiday Decorating

Making your home festive is a lot of fun, but there are some dangers to avoid. Make sure you buy the correct types of lights for your tree, rated for indoor or outdoor use. Always purchase your lights from a trusted source. When stringing cords, never place them in high traffic areas that could lead to someone tripping.

Candles are beautiful but can be dangerous. Real candles can easily set a home on fire if knocked over. Buy candles with batteries. They flicker, and look real but don’t pose a risk of fire. Your scented candles don’t have to be lit to put out fragrance so it's not always necessary to light them.

If you use a ladder to put up decorations, be aware that this is how many people are injured every year. Read up on ladder safety before you start, and never allow more than one person on a ladder at a time. Keep children at a distance.

Holiday Party Food

Follow all rules for keeping food fresh for a holiday party. Always wash your hands thoroughly, as well as utensils and counter areas that have come into contact with meats, poultry, eggs or fish. Store your food properly and at the right temperature to avoid bacterial contamination.

Alcohol Consumption

The holiday season often includes consuming alcoholic drinks. Always advise your guests about alternative ways to get home after drinking, whether via Uber, Lyft, good ol' fashion taxi or a designated driver, and never let a guest drive who is obviously intoxicated. You could be held liable in some cases if an accident occurs.

YOUR TREE

Buy the freshest tree you can find and keep it watered. Dry needles are super-flammable. Never place a tree near any area where there is open flame, including the fireplace. Get your fire extinguishers recharged in preparation for the holiday. Hopefully you never need to use them!

Your Home or Renters Insurance

One thing you may not have considered is your home insurance or renters insurance. When planning for the holidays, make sure you are covered for any eventuality. If something goes wrong – and we hope it doesn’t – you are covered. Home insurance programs cover various types of disasters, but you should find out what is covered and what isn’t prior to the holiday season. Generally, you are covered against damage from fire, weather damage, theft and vandalism. You are also covered should someone get injured while on your property or in your home, as well as the cost of your defense when necessary.

As a local agent, you are there to help your clients have a safe and happy holiday season. Be sure your entire team are always available to help as the holidays often see a spike in accidents. 

Tell us what you think!  Do you have any holiday tips that aren't mentioned here?  We want to hear from you!