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Holidays and homeowners insurance don't usually go in the same sentence, but they should. This time of year brings with it extra decorating, extra traveling, and extra fun. This time of year also brings with it more fires and more theft. Therefore, having the proper homeowners coverage can be like having your own Secret Santa or helpful elf. Follow our tips to keep your home safe this December.
Practice Electrical Safety
Make sure to inspect any string lights or decorations for frayed cords or cracked bulbs before putting up. Then when you plug in those decorations don't overload extension cords or outlets. Help prevent overheating and save electricity by utilizing a programmable outlet timer to turn on and off your decorations each night.
Tis the Season for Increased Fire Risk
The kitchen is the number one place home fires start, so double check your smoke alarms and fire extinguisher before cooking any holiday feasts. Another top fire starter is candles. So, if you're celebrating Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, remember to never leave a lit menorah or kinara unattended and blow out any candles before going to bed or leaving home. And don't forget to water your live tree often to avoid fire.
Be Proactive About Packages
Online shopping during the 2020 holiday season surged 32% than the year prior, and the number is sure to keep growing. More online shopping means more packages to be delivered and opportunities for porch pirates to strike. The best thing is to plan to be home when your package is scheduled for delivery, but if you're not able, we suggest leaving directions for a safe place to put the package. If shopping on Amazon, you can utilize an Amazon Hub to rest assured your package will be safe.
Keep Travel Plans Offline
If you travel during the holiday season, make sure to keep the details of when you're leaving and how long you'll be gone off social media. Posting this information gives access for a thief to know when your house will be empty and able to be targeted.
Protect Your Empty Home
First and foremost, let your neighbors know of any travel plans during the holidays so they can keep an eye out on your home. While you're away from your home have your mail held and install smart lighting or programmable outlets to have lights come on in the evening to appear at home. For extra security you can install a security camera or monitored home system to keep an eye on your home.
Having a monitored burglar and fire alarm installed can also save you money. Edison Insurance Company provides a policy discount to homeowners who provide a certificate/proof of a monitored system at their home.
Make Sure Your Home is Properly Covered
These tips will help keep your home safe and limit your exposure to these holiday dangers but it's important to also review your policy to ensure you are properly protected. Is your Coverage A limit enough to rebuild should a fire burn down your
home? Is your Coverage C limit enough to replace all your belongings if your home is burglarized?
Keeping your family and home safe and protected is Edison Home Insurance Company's number one priority. Ask your agent how they can help make sure you have the proper coverage or call us at 866-568-8922.
