Holiday Safety Tips for Your Home
Personal Lines
The holidays are just around the corner, but did you know that your seasonal décor and proactive gift shopping could put you at risk?
Here are some quick holiday safety tips for protecting your family and your assets:
Home Safety
- Always lock your doors
- Invest in a security system. These systems are becoming more and more affordable, and monitored services often result in a discount on your insurance.
- Motion-sensor lights on the exterior of your home can help deter thieves. If they are in a spotlight, they may move on.
- Keep your sidewalks clear of snow and salt. This will alert burglars that someone is home, and keep your guests from slipping. Win-win!
Holiday Vacation Risks
- If you plan to travel during the holidays, do not post pictures on social media. These photos alert everyone that your house is empty and could put you at risk for theft. Save your photos to share when you come back home.
- Connect your lights to an outlet timer to make it look like someone is home, or have a friend or family member look after your home.
- Have the post office hold your mail while you are out of town, or ask a trusted neighbor to bring your packages and newspapers inside.
Fire Hazards
- Do not overload electrical circuits or extension cords while decorating your home.
- Water your Christmas tree daily!
- Keep your tree away from heat sources.
- Check your tree lights for cracks in wires and bad bulbs before placing them on your tree.
- Always turn off decorative lights before going to bed or leaving your home.
Protect your Presents
- Cut up boxes from gifts or new purchases to make them more inconspicuous on recycling day. You don’t want to advertise all of the new purchases inside your home.
- Keep packages from being delivered on your front porch, where they are easily accessible to theft. Register your address with your postal service to keep track of your package’s ETA, and choose an alternate spot for your package to be placed.
- Utilize an Amazon locker for your online orders, or place a hold at your local post office for package pickup if you live in a high traffic area.
- Take photos of expensive items like jewelry, collectibles, and sports equipment and their receipts to send to your personal lines insurance agent to add to your policy.
Reach out to your personal lines client managers for more information on holiday safety and protecting your home through the winter.
______________
Amanda Harness is a Senior Client Manager at M3 Insurance.
