Get a FREE Quote

Marianne Cipollone, Insurance Broker

Cell: (416)-994-0892

Office: (905)-660-8278

Email: marianne@oraclerms.com

What's New

7 Home Safety Tips to Avoid an Insurance Claim this Christmas



Home safety is important around the holidays. You have a lot of people coming in and out, you are putting up decorations, having packages delivered, and you have to contend with shovelling. You also have to ensure your home is safe and secure, reducing the odds of your home becoming a target for thieves.
 
Here are some important and often overlooked holiday home safety tips:
 
1.      Keep your driveway clear: Slip and falls are one of the most common injuries this time of year. When it snows, make sure you clear your driveway and walkways to ensure they are free from ice and snow. No one wants to deal with a home insurance liability claim during the Christmas season!
 
2.      Have a helper when decorating: Whether you are putting up Christmas lights outside, carrying boxes up from the basement or garage, or decorating your living room, it’s important to have someone help you. Have someone spot you when you climb ladders, and don’t try to lift heavy boxes alone.
 
3.      Safety first when decorating: Safety is always the number one priority when decorating. Always check strands of lights, extensions cords, and decorations for wear and tear. Before using any decorations, make sure to check them and test them. Avoid over-using outlets and extension cords, and always follow the decoration’s safety recommendations.
 
4.      Store the clutter safely: Christmas is one of the prime seasons for tripping hazards, and no, we are not just talking about the ice outside. Extra extension cords, boxes, gift wrap, and other items can turn your home into an obstacle course. Properly store away items you are not using to eliminate clutter.
 
5.      Eliminate fire hazards: First things first – check your fire and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working correctly. If you are using candles, make sure you put them in safe places, away from kids, pets, and the potential for getting knocked over. Make sure you blow them out before leaving. If you are using a wood burning chimney, have it inspected before using it.
 
6.      Keep an eye on the kids and pets: Keep a constant eye on your kids and pets during the holidays. You never know what they will get into when you are busy untangling the Christmas lights or basting the turkey.
 
7.      Enhance home security: The only person you want coming into your home during the middle of the night is Santa on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, the Christmas season commonly sees an increase in break-ins. Avoid becoming a target by ensuring you have a home security system, creating the appearance of being home – even when you are not, keeping all windows and doors locked and watching what you say on social media.
 
To learn more about how you can protect your home over the holidays or to check in and see if you are getting the most out of your home insurance coverage, contact me anytime! I am happy to take a look at your home insurance policy and help you explore your options to improve your coverage and save money. Get a free quote for home insurance in Ontario
Posted: 12/9/2015 11:28:42 AM by Marianne Cipollone | with 0 comments
Filed under: Christmas, home, insurance, safety, security


Comments
Blog post currently doesn't have any comments.
Leave comment



 Security code