The holiday season is in full swing and December is here, which means countless homeowners will be putting up decorations to celebrate the holiday season. While all of the lights and decorations certainly look festive, they can also pose a safety risk and may cause thousands of dollars in damages. Use these tips so you don’t have to potentially start 2019 with an insurance claim.
Let’s start with the simplest and most obvious ones: holiday dinners. When cooking, make sure you that any flammable items you have are kept far from the stove or any appliance that is conductible. Oven and stoves should never be left unattended.
String lights and decorations can pose a major hazard if they are not used or assembled correctly. Always check the string lights, especially if you’re planning on reusing ones from the previous year. Look for bulbs that are cracked or wires that may be frayed. Also be sure not to overload extension cords and don’t forget to turn off lights or keep them on a timer before retiring for the evening.
Did you know that according to the National Fire Protection Association, Christmas trees have caused well over $10 million in damages between 2011 to 2015? If you prefer the natural trees, always keep it properly watered as dry needles pose a major fire hazard. Don’t forget to turn the tree lights off every evening.
We hope you have a safe and joyous holiday!
This information is provided by Miami insurance lawyer Alonso & Perez, LLP. Our areas of practice include bankruptcy, insurance litigation, foreclosure defense, immigration law, and more. Call 305-676-7545 to speak with a Miami insurance claims attorney and receive a free consultation We look forward to working with you.
This information is provided for educational or informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to substitute for legal advice.