A Good Homeowners Insurance Policy Can Cover Holiday Hazards

According to the United States Fire Administration, fires occurring during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season cause over $990 million in property damage each year. To avoid any catastrophes, there are several precautions you can take to ensure a happy holiday. The most important safeguard against fire damage is making sure you have sufficient property/casualty coverage on your homeowners insurance policy. Tri-Star Insurance in North Dallas, Plano and Frisco will work with you to determine the right amount of coverage for your home to keep you and your family safe during this festive time of year. In addition, by adhering to the following safety tips, you can significantly reduce the chance of turning your home into an inferno.

Turkey Fryer Fire

Large amounts of cooking oil and the propensity to overheat make frying a turkey a dangerous, if not delicious, holiday tradition. Turkey fryers are known to be unstable and without thermostat controls pose severe burn hazards. To avoid forgoing the delectable, deep-fried dish altogether, turkey fryers should be operated outside the home but not on a wooden deck or in a garage. Remember to use thick oven mitts when touching the sides or lid of the unit. Most importantly, never leave the fryer unattended or surrounded by pets or children even after use as the oil can remain burning hot for hours. Electric turkey friers are always a safe and efficient alternative.

Christmas Tree Combustion

Christmas trees can light up your eyes and your house if they have not received proper care from day one. A tree with brittle, brown needles is suffering from major dehydration and can alight at the drop of a hat. Keep the tree stand brimming with water at all times and do not position the tree near a heat source of any kind. After about two weeks dispose of the tree by taking it to a recycling center or have it hauled off by a pick-up service.

Holiday Light Hazards

Overloading electrical outlets with a ridiculous amount of Christmas lights is probably the most common mistake that a holiday enthusiast can make. Covering your home or tree with oodles of those twinkling beauties is tempting, but make sure you do not link more than three light strands at a time. Before you begin stringing, inspect the strands for frayed wires or cracked sockets that may cause sparks, and not the pretty kind.

Flaming Candles

Candles are one of the oldest and most classic of Christmas or Thanksgiving decorations. However, open flame is always a potential danger so remember to place them in stable holders away from high traffic areas. Never place a burning candle near or on a Christmas tree for obvious reasons.

The holidays are a time of joy and merrymaking, so make this Thanksgiving and Christmas a time to remember by choosing to be safe. To learn more about how to safeguard your home and family against a fire with a homeowners insurance policy laden with all the trimmings, contact Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. today at 214-387-0600 or toll-free at 1-800-990-4600.