We’re smack dab in the middle of the Holidays. While the final few are coming fast we want you to pause and make sure that you’ve taken precautions to protect your home. To make things easy we’re digging into our stocking which is chock-full of helpful articles from past and present. The resources below will ensure that your household’s remaining days of December (and beyond) are merry.
4 Practical Tips to Protecting Your Household and Home Through the Holidays
I. Remove the Risk of Damage and Injury from Outdoor Holiday Decor
Whether you’re a last minute decorator or you’ve already trimmed your exterior with Holiday flare we encourage you to heed the following:
- Ensure decorative lights are hazard free.
- Ensure lawn decor is sturdy, tied town, and not blocking pathways.
- Don’t decorate on shared spaces (i.e. a tree that branches into your neighbor’s property, etc.). In fact, clear especially “dramatic” decor with your neighbors first to avoid conflict.
- Keep all pathways shoveled, salted, and swept.
View more on how to keep your home exterior claims-free this Christmas.
II. Save Energy and Reduce Liability Risk at Home for the Holidays
Your energy bill can skyrocket during the Holiday season as heating, baking, cooking, and decorative lighting take their toll. But did you know that by taking steps to reducing your energy usage that you can also mitigate a number of liability risks? It’s a two-for-one special that beats any Boxing Day promo! Here’s a breakdown of these helpful tips:
- Make your home airtight by sealing cracks and fissures at trimming and entryways.
- Don’t block heating systems with decor and furnishings.
- Having heating systems inspected and repaired as needed.
- Have plumbing systems inspected and repaired as needed.
- Unplug decorative lighting during sleeping hours and when not at home.
View more on these energy saving tips for winter that also reduce liability risk.
III. Reduce Liability Risk When Hosting (Virtual Too!)
As the holiday season approaches, whether you’re planning in-person gatherings or virtual events, it’s crucial to consider liability risks to ensure the safety and well-being of your guests.
In-Person Events:
Hosting in-person holiday gatherings is a cherished tradition. To minimize liability risks, consider a responsible approach when serving alcohol. You may want to enlist qualified servers who can monitor alcohol consumption, ensuring that no one overindulges. Implementing car key collection or arranging alternative transportation options can help prevent drunk driving incidents. It’s also important to ensure that the venue, whether it’s your home or a rented space, is in good condition. Regular inspections and necessary repairs can prevent accidents, particularly in areas where guests will gather, such as decks, walkways, and staircases. Creating a safe environment by eliminating potential hazards like clutter, securing pets, and keeping walkways clear is essential. In the winter months, addressing ice and snow promptly can prevent slips and falls. Finally, review your homeowners insurance policy to make sure you have adequate coverage for your gathering, and consult with an insurance broker to make any necessary adjustments. View more on how to reduce social host liability risk during the Holidays.
Virtual Events:
If you’re hosting a virtual holiday party, there is one risk you want to consider – cybercrime. That’s right, as the organizer of a virtual Holiday party you want to ensure that all invitees are made aware of the massive growth of phishing schemes taking place during this time of the year. In this context, phishing schemes will target people by sending out emails and messages purporting to be from family and friends. Cybercriminals are conducting highly targeted spear-phishing campaigns, visiting social profiles to gain access to the names of individuals in a given social circle. If you or your friends/family do not have private accounts, cybercriminals can view your conversations, including discussions about up and coming virtual parties. They will craft their malicious solicitations and use a subject line that reference e-invites, such as “(Name) invites you to join their virtual Holiday party”. Once the email is opened and the purported e-invite link is clicked their malware is “unwrapped” and from there email and computer systems can be compromised. Moving forward, let virtual party guests know how and when you will send out e-invites, and ask them to be mindful if they receive a supposed email or Facebook/Instagram message from you that looks out of sorts.
IV. Top Up Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
For complete peace of mind during this most wonderful time of the year, receive the gift of a comprehensive audit of your homeowners insurance policy. Park Insurance is open through most of the remaining holiday days, but we encourage you to contact an office near you for updated hours and to find out what we can do for you online or by phone.
Other Helpful Articles You May Be Interested In:
- How to Prepare Your Home for Winter Vacation
- How to Protect Your Home During Winter from the Inside-Out
- How to Protect Your Home During Winter from Outside-In
