The holidays are a beautiful time of year. 85% of Americans decorate inside their homes for the holidays with everything from Christmas trees and tinsel to wreaths, menorahs, kinaras, string lights, and more. Of these holiday decorators, 97% use at least one listed decoration* considered a fire hazard, and 76% use two or more.
Overloaded electrical outlets, dry trees, open candles, and flammable decorations are all commonly overlooked home fire hazards.
Check out The Harris Poll survey results to learn about common fire hazards that you may be overlooking and see how a few precautions can help you protect your home during the holiday season.
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Protect Your Home When Decorating for the Holidays
For many Americans, decorations are an essential part of the holiday season. Just remember to decorate safely. These simple precautions can help you enjoy the warmth and beauty of the holidays with extra peace of mind.
- Securely fasten your Christmas tree to its base to help keep it standing. Check that it will not block any exits from the room if it falls.
- Water your live Christmas tree once each day (or more frequently if needed) to prevent it from drying out.
- Keep your trees away from open flames (such as fireplaces and candles).
- Know the capacity of your electrical outlets, especially when adding power strips and extension cords.
- Inspect holiday lights for damage before decorating, and do not link more than three strands together.
- Turn off your holiday lights when leaving the house. For convenience, consider setting them on a timer.
Safe decorating habits can help you avoid commonly overlooked holiday fire hazards and protect your home during the holidays. The National Fire Prevention Association also offers helpful holiday fire prevention tips and resources.
For added protection throughout the year, consider a personal insurance policy from Selective.
Not sure what coverage is right for your unique home? Talk to your local independent insurance agent today.