Regrettably, when we gather with family and friends, the risk of having a claim increases. The math is simple, your exposures are increased so the chance of a claim becomes greater. The good news is that with just a few precautions, you can reduce the likelihood of ruining your holiday festivities.
Here is how your exposures increase.
Fire
Kitchen Fires
- When we cook the repast for family and friends, we get distracted.
- Do not leave pots unattended and have covers for them.
- Have an ABC fire extinguisher readily available.
Christmas Tree Fires
- Christmas trees are great fuel for a fire.
- Water your trees every day.
- Avoid tinsel which is an accelerant.
Electrical Fires
- Bright lights and powered decorations strain your electrical service.
- Do not plug multiple power drains into a single outlet.
Candles:
- Candles add to the ambience. Open flames can lead to catastrophe.
- Never leave open flames unattended.
Space Heaters
- There was an annual average of 48,530 of home heating fires between 2014 and 2018, resulting in an estimated 500 deaths and $1.1 billion in direct property damage.
In 2016, students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute constructed a mock living room to study how rapidly fire spreads. The verdict: 63 seconds is all it takes for disaster.
WPI Demonstrates Christmas Tree Safety with a Live Burn
Theft
- While you are holiday shopping, thieves are on the lookout for unattended packages. They shop packages left at your doorstep or in your car. It’s a veritable cornucopia for those that want what you have.
- While shopping in stores, lock packages in the trunk of your car.
- When shopping online, you can have packages delivered to an Amazon lockbox, UPS, or FedEx store.
Weather
Automobile Accidents
- Traffic volume increases during the holidays and weather can be a factor. Harsh weather and increased traffic lead to accidents.
- Assure guests do not feel any pressure to attend the festivities and their safety is your primary concern.
Property Damage
- High winds lead to felled trees that damage property: your home, outdoor structures, or your cars.
- Snow laden branches can do the same.
- A few inches of snow on your roof can lead to ice dams and ensuing interior water damage. These claims are most prevalent from December through February.
Slips & Falls
- In many jurisdictions, homeowners may be held liable if a visitor is injured due to unsafe conditions on their property.
- Even if your sister-in-law loves you, that will not discourage her health insurance carrier from recovering the cost of a $50,000 hip surgery.
- Make sure to shovel, salt and provide clear access to the warmth of your home.
Jewelry
The wintery wonderland has great appeal. The Norman Rockwell ideal of the holidays. The reality is winter weather leads to accidents and property damage.
- My experience is a preponderance of jewelry claims happen during the holidays.
- We go to retrieve an article of jewelry and there it is – gone! Known as “mysterious disappearance” in insurance-speak.
- Additionally, since we tend to adorn our finery during the holidays, the likelihood we misplace or lose our baubles is heightened.
Plumbing
- Your “castle” was probably designed to house a family of 4 or 5.
- With 20 guests using your two and a half bathrooms, the capacity of your sewerage system may be taxed.
- I can assert first-hand, one way to clear guests from your home is to have raw sewage backup into your kitchen. It spoils everyone’s appetite.
Liquor & Libations
- Ahh, the holiday spirit. If you serve alcohol at your party, you can be held legally liable when your guest causes an accident on their way home.
- Offer guests a haven in your spare room.
- Have guests check their car keys at the door and agree in advance they will honor your decision not to return them if they seem impaired.
- Arrange for transportation home and retrieval of their vehicle in the morning.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season – stay safe!
-Steve
Sources & Resources
With just a few precautions, you can reduce the risk of your holidays being ruined by disaster. Most of the hazards I listed are highly preventable. The remedy is to be aware of the risks and use common sense.
You don’t have to be a risk management grinch. Be aware of the risks and take steps to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe. Below I have compiled a list of resources to aid you in that endeavor.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Dry and Neglected Christmas Tree
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
December is Leading Month for U.S. Home Fires Heating Equipment Research
Candle Fire Research
Christmas Tree Safety Tip Sheet Cooking Safety Tip Sheet
Candle Safety Tip Sheet
Electric Portable Space Heater Safety
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Information Institute
Social Host Liquor Liability
Facts + Statistics: Winter Storms
Protect Your House from Sewer Backups
