Family, friends, and festivities should be the focus of the holiday season, but don’t let this joyous time be marred by fire, theft, accidents, and other disasters, advises the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). Taking simple steps and having the right insurance coverage can reduce these seasonal hazards.

Start with these five safety tips:

1. Be Fire Safe

December is the peak month for fires caused by candles. Christmas tree-related fires, while not as common as candle fires, are much more likely to be deadly.

Decorations and cooking are the two leading causes of home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Do not put decorations too close to a heat source when decorating for the holidays, and never leave the stove unattended while cooking. Always be sure to have smoke alarms in working condition.

In the event of a fire, evacuate immediately. And prepare by developing and practicing a home fire escape plan with the whole family.

Homeowners and renters insurance policies cover fire, smoke, and water damage.

2. Protect Your Identity

Whether shopping online or in a brick-and-mortar store, the hustle and bustle of the holidays creates a perfect opportunity for thieves looking to steal your credit card information.

To protect yourself, shop at reputable stores and check your credit card statements regularly, and if you find anything unusual, report it to your credit card company immediately. If your wallet is either lost or stolen, contact the police and your credit card company as soon as you can.

Many standard homeowners insurance policies now include identity theft coverage. Moreover, most homeowners and renters policies provide some coverage for stolen cash or unauthorized use of your credit card.

3. Burglar-Proof Your Home

December is the fifth most common month in which burglaries occur, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

If you’re traveling over the holidays, have mail and packages picked up or held by the post office, use automatic timers to turn lights on and off at appropriate times, and have a dependable neighbor check on the house periodically.

Consider making your home more secure with deadbolt locks, window grates, and smoke/fire/burglar alarms. An added benefit: most insurers provide discounts for devices that make a home safer.

Personal possessions are covered under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies—even holiday gifts stored in your car!

4. Be a Responsible Party Host

Throwing a holiday bash? Party hosts who serve alcohol at their gatherings can be held liable for injuries to a third party caused by a drunken guest.

Protect yourself—and your guests—by promoting safe alcohol consumption and having the proper social host liability insurance coverage.

To be a responsible host:

  • Encourage guests to pick a designated driver.
  • Offer non-alcoholic beverages and always serve food.
  • Stop serving liquor toward the end of the evening.
  • If guests drink too much or seem too tired to drive home, call a cab, arrange a ride with a sober guest, or have them sleep at your home.

5. Drive Safely—Especially in Winter Conditions

Safe driving and well-maintained vehicles take on even greater importance in winter.

  • Give yourself enough time to arrive at your destination; never rush in rainy, snowy, or icy conditions.
  • Stay off the road between the hours of midnight and 3 a.m. when drunk driving accidents are most likely.
  • Obey speed limits and avoid all distractions (no texting, eating, grooming!) while behind the wheel.
  • Keep your gas tank full. Stormy weather or traffic delays that force you to change routes or turn back can result in the use of more gas.

If you have an accident, understand your auto insurance coverage and how to file a claim.

Source: Insurance Information Institute

Read Other Blog Posts

Murphy’s Law Now Officially Sponsored by Murphy Insurance

Murphy’s Law: Now Officially Sponsored by Murphy Insurance

Murphy Insurance is now the official sponsor of Murphy’s Law—because if anything can go wrong, it probably already has. To mark the occasion, we’re rolling out a tongue-in-cheek lineup of “coverage” for life’s most ridiculous moments, from lost socks to seagull snack theft. While these faux policies are just for fun (for now), our real team is always here with real coverage for life’s unpredictable turns. Happy April Fools Day from Murphy Insurance—when Murphy’s Law strikes, call Murphy Insurance.
Auto Insurance in Hudson MA

Auto Insurance in Hudson, MA: What You Need to Know

If you live in Hudson, MA, or the surrounding areas, securing the right auto insurance is essential. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend traveler, or a first-time driver, having the appropriate coverage ensures protection on the road and compliance with Massachusetts’ legal requirements.
Car close-up

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run

When you’re involved in a vehicle collision and the other driver takes off without exchanging insurance information, this is commonly referred to as a hit-and-run. Review the following guidance to understand what information to collect and who to contact following a hit-and-run incident.
Pest Prevention Keep Your Home Pest-Free with Proactive Measures

Pest Prevention | Keep Your Home Pest-Free with Proactive Measures

Pests can cause structural damage, contaminate food, and pose health risks, making proactive prevention essential since home insurance doesn’t cover pest-related damage. Key prevention tips include proper food storage, maintaining outdoor vegetation, regular home inspections, and keeping living spaces clean to minimize pest attraction. For persistent issues, professional pest control may be necessary, and Murphy Insurance is available to provide guidance on home protection and insurance coverage.
Stairs

How to Prevent Falls at Home

Falls are one of the most common and dangerous accidents that occur at home and on the job—especially on staircases. In order to determine whether there are fall hazards within your home, be sure to ask yourself these key questions.
Outdoor Maintenance: Protecting Your Home and Enhancing Your Curb Appeal

Outdoor Maintenance | Protecting Your Home and Enhancing Your Curb Appeal

Regular outdoor maintenance not only enhances your home's curb appeal but also prevents costly damage and potential insurance issues. Key tasks include cleaning gutters, inspecting the roof, maintaining landscaping, power washing exteriors, and ensuring outdoor structures like fences and decks are in good condition. Staying proactive with seasonal upkeep helps protect your home, reduce long-term repair costs, and maintain insurance coverage eligibility.
Hot Tub Safety 101 | Protect Your Home, Guests, and Peace of Mind

Hot Tub Safety 101 | Protect Your Home, Guests, and Peace of Mind

Hot tubs offer relaxation but come with safety and liability risks, including potential injuries, health concerns, and insurance coverage gaps. Key precautions include supervising children, maintaining proper water chemistry, setting safe temperature limits, and enforcing responsible usage to prevent accidents. Homeowners should review their insurance policies and consider additional coverage, such as a personal umbrella policy, to ensure financial protection while enjoying their hot tub safely.
Car keys

Avoiding Problems When Buying Used Vehicles

While buying a used vehicle will save you money in purchase price and help you avoid depreciation costs, it is important to do your research before you purchase one. To avoid buying a car with hidden problems, consider these purchase precautions.
Contractor

Avoiding Contractor Fraud

It’s important to stay informed when dealing with contractors to reduce the risk of contractor fraud. Use these tips to avoid contractor fraud concerns.

Visit Our Homeowners Insurance Page

Homeowners Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we take great care in assessing your options for homeowners insurance to ensure that you receive the most favorable value. Our dedication to serving you entails collaborating with highly-rated insurance providers and conducting comprehensive assessments of available choices. Our goal is to achieve the ideal equilibrium between affordability and coverage that suits your unique needs. Please let us provide you with a customized homeowners insurance quote.