Holiday Safety and Security Tips

Between travel, gift giving, decorating and shopping, the holiday season is a busy one for many people across the country. The hustle and bustle means people may neglect the little things that keep us safe. Here are a few simple holiday safety tips to help ensure a happy holiday season.

Security Tips

Keeping your property secure is a necessity year-round, but it’s especially important during the holidays when reports of crimes like robberies increase by approximately 20 percent*. If you’re traveling and spending time away from your home base, here are a few ways to protect yourself and your business: 

• Install a Security System: Installing a security system is a holiday safety tip that can deliver benefits all year long. Once you take care of the installation, notify your independent insurance agent of the improvements. 
• Let Neighboring Businesses Know Your Travel Plans: Let your neighbors know when you’ll be away and when to expect your return. They can watch for suspicious activity and check for any deliveries made while you are away.
• Review Your Insurance Policy after the Holidays: Make sure all of your shiny new toys and large items received over the holidays are covered and protected going into the new year. Your independent insurance agent can review your insurance policies with you and let you know if any extra protection may be needed. 

Maintenance Tips

Before you settle in with cocoa and a cozy fire, try these holiday safety tips to ensure you're protected:

• Never Leave Burning Candles Unattended: Open flames are beautiful, but they can be dangerous when left unattended. Always make sure you blow out all candles or for a safer alternative without the fire risk, use flameless or battery-operated candles.
• Practice Ladder Safety: Holiday lights are beautiful, but not worth an injury. Always inspect your ladder prior to climbing and do not use a broken or unsafe ladder.
• Keep Your Sidewalks Cleared: As a business owner, it may be your responsibility to keep others safe anytime they’re on your property. Prevent accidents by keeping sidewalks clear of ice and snow.

Electrical Safety Suggestions

Consider these electrical safety tips for the holidays:

• Don’t Overload Your Outlets: Electrical outlets can only handle so much demand before shorting out or sparking a fire. Electrical safety regulations suggest keeping the burden on a circuit below 80 percent of its amperage rating**. For example, 16-amps of power for a 20-amp breaker.
• Use the Right Types of Lights: Believe it or not, holiday lights aren’t all the same. Some are rated for indoor use only, and others are rated for indoor/outdoor use. If you’re planning on hanging lights outside, make sure they’re rated for outdoor use. This will reduce the risk of shocks or a fire.
• Turn Electrical Decorations Off: Many people leave their electrical decorations on 24/7. To keep your property safe, turn off electrical decorations before you leave for home.
• Inspect Holiday Lights: Inspect the wires and connections on each strand you’re hanging. If you notice any wear or exposed wires, replace them as soon as possible. 

Shop Online Securely

Shopping online makes buying gifts easier and helps us avoid crowds. But it can also increase your risk of becoming a victim of identity theft and cybercrime. Be safe and follow these holiday online safety tips:

• Shop With Known Retailers: The best way to keep your personal information safe when shopping online is to only buy from retailers you know and can trust. Download official retailer apps from app stores like the Apple App Store, Google Play and Galaxy Apps. Avoid clicking on social media links to apps that could contain malicious software.
• Use a Secure Wi-Fi Network: Public Wi-Fi networks may be convenient, but they’re not secure and can leave your personal information vulnerable. Instead, only use a secure, password-protected network. If you need to use Wi-Fi on the go, turn your phone into a password-protected hotspot.
• Invest in Identity Theft Protection: There’s no way to completely avoid identity theft, but you can protect yourself from financial loss if your devices get hacked. Talk to your independent insurance agent about cyberthreat and identity theft protection to help cover legal costs.

Risk-Free Holiday Decorating 

We all love a dose of holiday cheer, but did you know there are ways to make decorating a little safer? Follow these holiday decorating safety tips to protect your home, family and property.

• Hire a Professional: Some companies offer decorating services that can make hanging lights safer and easier. Consider hiring a licensed and bonded professional to handle any outdoor holiday lighting you may be planning. 
• Choose the Right Tree: Artificial trees are great alternatives to add holiday cheer to your business, but you’ll want to choose one that has a fire-resistant stamp or label on the box. These trees are designed to withstand high temperatures generated by holiday lights without sparking or going up in flames. For real trees, it’s important to frequently water the tree and to clean up any fallen pine needles. 

Holiday Driving Tips

Travel during the holidays often means traffic and busy highways that pose a risk to your commercial vehicle. These holiday travel safety tips can make your drive more secure: 

• Review Your Auto Insurance Policy: Review your auto coverage with your insurance agent and make sure you’re fully protected against the types of hazards you may encounter.
• Take Regular Breaks: Take regular breaks throughout the day and don’t push yourself to drive when you’re exhausted.

For other important tips, including pet fire safety, check out the safety section of our resources page.

* Data from the National Crime Victimization Survey
** Data from wirechiefelectric.com