Safety Tips to Guide Your Holiday Planning
Written by
More than seven million people visit our site every year looking for unbiased information about insurance and other related topics. And with great readership comes great responsibility, which means we’re dedicated to providing honest and accurate information.
The holiday season means travel, parties, decorations, and big meals for many people with family and friends. The increased activity often results in an increased number of accidents, however. Fortunately, many holiday mishaps are preventable. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you look forward to the upcoming celebratory season.
Common Holiday Hazards to Watch Out For
Many families put up a Christmas tree inside their homes during the holiday season. If you choose a real tree, be sure to keep water in the tree stand. Real holiday trees won't last more than a few weeks even under the best conditions, but dry trees pose a higher risk of fire.
While a Christmas tree, complete with decorations and lights, adds a festive touch to a home, it can also pose a fire hazard. Here are a few tips to keep your lights twinkling safely throughout the holiday season.
- Turn off the lights before you go to bed for the night.
- Plug a maximum of three strands of lights into each other. For additional lights, use a power strip.
- Vintage lights are lovely, but their incandescent bulbs warm up when in use. Opt for newer LED lights that don't create heat when lit.
Travel Safety Tips
Some families may want to travel to visit loved ones during the holidays. That may mean a long journey to attend a celebration. Here are some ways to keep your home safe while you are gone.
- Leave a few lights on with timers to make your home look inhabited while you are away.
- Let a trusted neighbor or friend know that you'll be gone so they can check on your home.
- If you receive mail at home, contact the postal service and ask them to suspend delivery until you return.
- Wait until after you return from your trip to post about it on social media. There's no need to alert would-be thieves of your absence.
In many areas of the country, the holiday season may include inclement weather. Snow, ice, rain, and fog can mean travel delays. If you face bad weather, give yourself extra time to get to your destination or reschedule the celebration. When traveling by car, be sure you have an emergency kit on board. Pack extra water, snacks, and blankets.
Before you go, it's smart to have your mechanic check your vehicle to make sure the tires are in good condition and properly inflated. Leave with a full tank of gas, and bring along a phone charger so you can call for help if needed.
Cooking/Food Safety Tips
Thinking of frying your Thanksgiving or winter holiday turkey this year? Well-meaning cooks have been causing losses and property damage worth millions of dollars in pursuit of a deep-fried turkey dinner. Roasting a turkey in the oven can be just as delicious, and it's definitely less likely to cause physical harm and property damage. No matter which holiday foods you prefer, put safety first when planning meals.
If you are hosting a get-together, you may have to store more food than normal. Be sure to keep raw meat and produce cool and separated until it's time to start cooking.
Tips to Ensure General Seasonal Safety
Many holiday mishaps are avoidable if you know what to watch out for. Some of our most beloved traditions can quickly ruin our celebrations. For example, traditional holiday plants and decors like amaryllis, holly berries, and mistletoe are poisonous when ingested; keep them far away from children and pets.
The holidays can be chaotic, so if you start to feel overwhelmed, try to slow down. It's crucial to get enough sleep, especially if you'll be driving to a celebration away from home. It's always OK to say "no" when your schedule is too full.
Check in with Your Insurance Agent
As the holidays approach, keep safety in mind as you plan family get-togethers, decorate your home, and create memorable meals. The season poses a few tricky but avoidable hazards.
Be sure to review your insurance coverage before you get too busy with holiday to-dos. Your agent can help you understand your current coverage and how it can help you in case there's a holiday-related accident or mishap.
Reach out to your local trustedchoice.com agent to learn more about your insurance options. They’re there to support you, answer all of your questions, and ensure that you get coverage for your side hustle on all of the fronts needed. If you don’t have one, you can find an independent insurance agent today.