Tis the season to be merry! It’s time to gather with friends and family and celebrate the holidays. Be aware of common accidents during this busy time of year. Follow our tips to help reduce the chance of filing a claim this season.
- Fire Safety – Texans love to deep fry a turkey for dinner! Agency Principal, Christy Hogan, emphasizes “It’s risky! Cook the turkey, not the house!” Deep fry 10 feet from any structure, wear protective clothing, keep kids and pets away, use a thawed and dry turkey, and let oil completely cool before cleanup. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the Unites States, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Use a timer when cooking, stay in the kitchen, and place the fire extinguisher nearby. If you have a fireplace, ensure the flue is open, and never burn paper in the fireplace or a flash fire may be the result.
- Travel Safely – Be alert when driving. This time of year, collisions with wild animals are common. Early morning and evening hours are the most active time for deer. If you see one deer, look for more. Slow down and never swerve your vehicle or you risk losing control. In the unfortunate event your vehicle hits an animal, pull over and contact the police. Contact your agent and report the incident when it is safe to do so.
- Tree Safety – Keep this yearly tradition safe for your family. Live trees need to be watered everyday as dry branches are more likely to catch fire. Keep your tree away from any heating source. Before hanging lights, check for frayed wires, broken sockets, or loose connections.
- Home and Valuables – Burglaries are a common claim during the holidays. Protect your family and belongings by concealing empty gift boxes in large trash bags. Make sure the exterior of your home is illuminated. Install motion-detector lights and use a home security system. Additionally, using timer switches for lights can create the illusion of someone home even when you are not.
You can visit Associated Insurance Managers at 11111 Katy Freeway, Suite 120, in Houston. We are a full-service independent insurance agency providing personal and commercial insurance. To learn more about the services offered, email info@aimins.net, visit our website at https://www.aimins.net/, or contact us at (713) 365-8400.
Source: https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Home-Cooking-Fires