2023
3 Tips for Safe Holiday Decorating
Jim Jenkins / 0 Comments /As we pack away the Halloween decorations, the festive season sneaks upon us.
This month, many of you will be getting the Holiday decorations down from your loft and untangling those twinkling lights.
But before you get too carried away with inflatable reindeer, give some thought to safety.
It’s alarming to think that every Christmas, many houses suffer the devastation of an electrical fire – a horror that is often unavoidable.
The Not-so-festive Statistics
According to the National Fire Protection Association, the US fire departments respond to an estimated average of 160 home fires per year that begin with the ignition of Christmas trees. These fires caused an annual average of two civilian deaths, 11 civilian injuries, and $12 million in direct property damage. NFPA stats also show that decorative lights were involved in 18% of home fires, wiring or related equipment was involved in 13%, cords or plugs were involved in 6%, and electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in one-quarter (25%) of Christmas tree fires.
With that in mind, let’s prioritize safety this Holiday season. We can start by diving into some essential Holiday safety tips.
Electrical Checks
Given that the season often involves extensive use of electrical decorations, always thoroughly examine your electrical equipment before use. As you unpack the Christmas lights and ornaments, take time to carefully inspect each item. Any signs of wear, fraying, or damage to wires should be immediately addressed. Remember, even a minor fault can lead to a potential electrical fire hazard, posing a risk to your home and family.
If you come across any damaged or faulty electrical decorations, replace them immediately. Your caution might prevent catastrophic consequences since ignoring faulty equipment could result in a devastating fire.
Switching off
It’s crucial to emphasize the importance of never leaving lights unattended, especially during the holiday season. Unsupervised electrical decorations pose a significant fire risk and can lead to devastating consequences if left on for extended periods without supervision. Whether it’s Christmas tree lights, outdoor displays, or decorative candles, switch them off before leaving the house or heading to bed. This will significantly reduce the likelihood of a fire.
Taking care
Take care in other areas of holiday decorating. Be mindful of using flame-resistant or non-combustible materials for your decorations, especially when incorporating candles or other open flames.
Avoid overloading electrical outlets and use appropriate extension cords to prevent potential overheating and electrical hazards.
Stay safe this holiday season
Like you, we work hard all year and we love to celebrate and relax during the holidays. 2023 has been a great year for us, our team, and our clients, so this Christmas let’s make it the best one yet.
Jenkins is here for you – all year round. Remember, making an insurance claim following a fire in your home is likely to be a lengthy and challenging process. That’s because the insurance company is hard-wired to deny, undervalue, and delay payment. Here’s a favorite loophole of theirs: many insurance companies may refuse to provide compensation if the homeowner is found to be liable due to the use of faulty electrical equipment.
In the unfortunate event of a fire or any other disaster that affects your home or business, you’ll need an expert to fight for you. Jenkins Law specializes in helping homeowners who encounter difficulties with their insurance companies. Our insurance claim lawyers in Florida are unbeatable when it comes to handling a variety of claims, including fire damage.
With our help, your claim will be processed in a way that’s timely and fair. So, if you or someone you know needs help, Jenkins Law PL is standing by.
Get in touch and let us handle the insurance claim while you decide what to do with those turkey leftovers.
