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Trusted Choice® Holiday Disasters

Trusted Choice® Holiday Disasters

Christmas Tree Fires

The holiday season is a time of celebration, not catastrophe. Do not let a fire ruin your festivities. Be safe with these top tips:

Fire departments respond to an average of 200 home fires each year that start with Christmas trees and 40% start with electrical distribution equipment.

  1. Tip: Make sure all decorative lights are set-up and functioning properly. Remember to unplug and turn off your lights when you are away from home.

    26% of Christmas tree fires stem from a heat source.

  2. Tip: Keep your tree away from a fireplace or candles. Pick a clear place in your home to set-up the tree.

    24% of Christmas tree fires stem from intentional ignition.

  3. Tip: Dispose of your Christmas tree properly and safely. Note, they are extremely flammable when dry.

  4. Tip: Make sure you do not leave cooking food unattended. Always turn off the oven or gas/electric burners when you are away from home or sleeping.

    Fires due to cooking peak on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Christmas Eve.

  5. Tip: Never leave a candle burning when you are away or asleep. Do not place candles close to anything flammable, like papers, clothes, or your Christmas tree.

    Christmas, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Day are the top 3 days of the year for candle fires and caused an estimated 8.9 million in property damage each year.

  6. Tip: As a precaution, have a fire safety and escape plan in place.

Sometimes disasters are unavoidable… Here are a few “trusted” holiday home insurance tips:

  1. Review your insurance coverage (home or renters). Accidents do happen. Make sure you know your coverages.

  2. Insure valuable gifts. Valuable gifts like diamond jewelry and antiques may not be covered under a standard homeowners or renters insurance policy. You must purchase an “endorsement” or separate coverage for these items.

  3. Conduct a holiday home inventory. Make sure to note all valuables.

  4. Keep gift receipts. In case of fire or theft they may be your only proof of ownership.

Sources:
NFPA – Christmas Tree Fires
ESFI – Holiday Data and Statistics
Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America

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