Between family dinners and New Year’s Eve parties, the holiday season is a hectic time for any household. While all this activity may be designed for celebration, it also presents unique risks to you as a homeowner. Having reliable homeowners insurance can provide peace of mind against these dangers, but it’s still crucial to adopt precautions to prevent them from happening. To help you avoid the need for making an insurance claim this season, here are a few common holiday accidents and how you can prevent them.

3 Causes Behind Holiday Season Homeowners Insurance Claims

1. Fire

House fires tend to increase in December and January due to the lack of Christmas tree, decoration, and cooking safety. To prevent your Christmas tree from catching on fire, you must water it every day so that it doesn’t dry out.

All decorations should be placed away from open flames—especially around the kitchen or fireplace. Instead of using candles, opt for battery-powered alternatives. To avoid electrical fires, do not use indoor lights outside and never overload sockets.

When you’re cooking, never leave items unattended when they are on the stove or oven.

2. Theft

While it’s crucial to invest in home security all year long, it’s especially critical in the winter. During the holidays, many people make homeowners insurance claims to replace items that have been stolen as a result of a break-in.

You can deter burglars by keeping gifts out of view from the windows and installing motion-sensor lighting to keep the exterior illuminated. Once gifts have been opened, avoid placing the boxes in plain sight—such as against garbage cans outside.

If you’re going away on vacation, have a trusted friend or neighbor check in on your property to make it appear that someone is home. Avoid posting about trips on social media, as this can give criminals a heads up that you’ll be away.

3. Guest Injury

If a guest is injured during a holiday party, you may be liable for the resulting medical damages. To reduce this danger, don’t let your home get overcrowded during celebrations. It’s also wise not to serve excess alcohol, as accidents are more common when people are inebriated. If you have a pet, keep them in a secure, isolated room during any events to minimize the risk of bite injuries.

Since some accidents can’t be prevented, make sure your homeowners insurance has you covered over the holidays. If you need to review or update your policy, turn to the trusted team at Russell Insurance Agency. Serving the Robertsdale, AL, community, these local professionals will design a plan that fits your specific risks and property coverage needs. Visit this agency online to learn more about their solutions, or call (251) 947-3607 to request a free quote.