The holidays are always exciting.
It’s a time for big meals, good cheer, and cozying up where it’s warm while the snow starts to fall.
Even though festivities may be a bit more muted this year than others, there will still be tasty meals, lights decorating homes, and cozy nights by the fireplace.
And all of those bring with them additional fire risks.
What to Do If You Have to Make a Fire Insurance Claim
A house fire is devastating no matter when it happens, but for it to happen during the holidays only adds to the stress and trauma that comes with it.
There will be a lot going on, but one of the most important tasks you’ll have to deal with is your insurance claim.
It’s critical that you keep up with deadlines and make a full report of lost belongings to make sure that your fire insurance coverage helps you rebuild afterward.
Given how stressful it can be dealing with a claim, you may want to get help.
You can find help from insurance lawyers at Virani Law who specializes in fire insurance claims.
Holiday Fire Safety Tips
These tips will help you avoid the worst fire risks and enjoy a safe and happy holiday!
#1 Be Careful with Candles
Candles have become one of the most common causes of house fires.
They are most likely to start in the bedroom, and it’s not recommended to let children (including teenagers) use candles alone.
If you plan on bringing some light and scents into your home with candles, be sure to:
- Keep them out of windows where they can ignite curtains;
- Keep them a safe distance from combustibles including Christmas trees, decorations, and even table cloths;
- Never leave lit candles unattended.
#2 Cooking Safely
The kitchen is one of the top sources of house fires, and around the holidays, we spend more time cooking and making more ambitious meals.
When you’re cooking, pay attention.
Never leave live elements unattended and make sure you keep cooking surfaces free of clutter and flammable materials.
#3 Tree Tips
The good news is Christmas tree fires are probably more common in the movies than in real life.
Nevertheless, real trees are flammable and become especially so when they dry out.
To reduce risks caused by a dry tree, be sure to water it frequently and keep it away from heat sources such as vents, fireplaces, and candles.
#4 Outdoor Lights
Holiday lights are a huge part of the festivities, but they can pose electrical hazards if not used carefully.
Here are some tips for making sure your light setup remains safe:
- Make sure you use lights rated appropriately for indoor or outdoor use according to how you intend to use them;
- Check for and replace broken bulbs;
- Avoid plugging too many lights into a single outlet;
- Use an appropriate extension cord rather than daisy-chaining smaller cords.
Follow these tips to make sure your holidays happen without incident!