Piece updated December 2019.

The holidays can be a wonderful time, but also a hazardous one since cold weather often brings with it an increase in the number and intensity of house fires. While you should protect your home with a reliable homeowners insurance policy, there are other steps you can take to prevent emergency situations from occurring. Here is a guide to keeping your family happy and safe this fall and winter.

4 Ways to Protect Your Home This Holiday Season

1. Take Care of Your Roof

Snow and ice on your roof can cause water damage as well as structural issues, perhaps even a collapse. With this in mind, take preventive measures to clear away accumulation. Remember, many homeowners insurance policies don’t cover damage caused by lack of maintenance.

2. Be Careful Hanging Holiday Lights

Christmas lights have a maximum connection guideline, which is usually around 210 watts. If you go over this limit, it’s a fire hazard. Don’t connect more than two strings of lights in a series and make sure your total wattage doesn’t exceed about 85% of the breaker to avoid a power surge.

Exercise caution if you’re going to climb on ladders to hang lights. Always ask someone to hold the ladder base steady and position the ladder on a flat, firm surface.
 

3. Monitor Open Flames

A warm hearth is cozy and inviting, but if you have a fireplace, don’t leave the fire unattended. Keep stockings and garlands at least several feet away from open flames and fasten them securely to their hangers.

Monitor menorahs as well. About 60% of candle fires started because a flammable material was too close to the flame. As a precaution, purchase a dry chemical fire extinguisher to store somewhere in your home where it’s easily accessible. 
 

4. Be Wary of Burglars

When throwing out boxes for electronics or other items, conceal the brand information to avoid inadvertently enticing burglars to your home. Exterior lighting can deter crime, so make sure the outside of your house is well-lit. If you’re the victim of theft, contact the company that issues your homeowners insurance policy immediately.

Allstar Insurance wants its clients in Lincoln, NE, to have peace of mind this holiday season. That’s why they offer affordable homeowners insurance to protect your property and belongings, as well as providing auto coverage, renters’ insurance, and policies geared towards mobile and motorhomes. Take advantage of their more than 23 years of industry experience by calling (402) 477-0900 today or visiting their website.