Whether hosting loved ones or traveling out
of town, homeowners should ensure their property is protected from
holiday mishaps
LOS
ANGELES, Dec. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The holiday
season is a time for gathering with friends and family to celebrate
traditions, create lasting memories, and carry the joy of the
festivities into the new year. However, the holidays can also pose
a unique set of challenges for homeowners as they prepare to host
guests or visit loved ones out of town. To keep your celebrations
safe, joyful and bright, Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) has put
together a series of home safety tips to keep in mind when planning
holiday festivities.
"Anyone preparing for guests should keep safety top of mind and
understand the coverage provided by their insurance policies," said
Bonnie Lee, Vice President of
Property Claims for Mercury Insurance. "Homeowners need to identify
and address any potential hazards in and around the home that could
put a big damper on the holiday spirit."
Here are some tips that homeowners should keep in mind as they
plan for the holidays:
- Keep holiday lights shimmering bright. Part of the magic
of the holidays lies in the many displays of twinkling lights.
Before stringing any lighting, check lighting cords for tears or
deformations. Look for signs of excess wear on all indoor and
outdoor lights, including fading, frayed wiring, or twisted and
kinked cords. Make sure that damaged bulbs are replaced and each
strand of lights is functional and safe. Lastly, confirm that any
cords or lights used for outdoor displays are intended to be used
outdoors.
- Install and update security systems. Home burglaries and
thefts tend to spike around the holidays — and sadly these unwanted
visitors won't come bearing gifts. Deter them by installing
surveillance cameras, video doorbells, alarms, deadbolts and other
types of home security. "For those who recently received or
purchased expensive gifts, make sure your insurance policy extends
to cover such presents," said Lee.
- Share with care. Posting pictures of a holiday getaway
may be tempting, but homeowners should think twice before
uploading. By sharing holiday plans and locations in real time on
social media, homeowners unwittingly publicize that their house is
vacant. Even with privacy settings on, sharing extensively online
still poses a risk due to extended friend networks and other
potential breaches. "Consider waiting to share pictures, status
updates and check ins until after returning home, as this reduces
the risk of attracting unwanted attention to an empty property,"
advised Lee.
- Keep the fire in the fireplace: Everyone loves to get
cozy around the fire — but not in the kitchen. According to the
National Fire Protection Association, Christmas Day and Christmas
Eve are among the top three days during which home cooking fires
occur. Homeowners should avoid leaving cooking areas unattended
when the stove or oven is in use and make sure to keep cooking
areas free of combustible materials like wooden utensils or dish
towels. Keep a working fire extinguisher that is easily accessible
nearby. In the unlikely event that something does go awry, Lee
noted that fire insurance is typically included in a homeowner
insurance policy, which protects the contents and the surrounding
property.
As the holiday season progresses, policyholders should review
their homeowners insurance to understand their coverage and make
sure it has been updated to suit their family's needs, especially
if they've made any high-value renovations or purchases recently.
"Don't let an unanticipated loss or accident steal the joy of the
holiday season," said Lee. "There is no better gift than peace of
mind that your property is protected, and it only takes a few
simple precautions."
For additional holiday safety tips from Mercury Insurance,
visit:
How to Winterize a Car
Holiday Insurance Tips: Ho-Ho Homeowners Holiday Infographic
Is My Car Ready For A Road Trip?
About Mercury Insurance
Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance
carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners, renters
and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in
Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New
Jersey, New York,
Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in
Florida. Mercury writes other
lines of insurance in various states, including commercial,
business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing,
ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.
Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value
for their insurance dollar by pairing ultracompetitive rates with
excellent customer service. Mercury has earned "A" ratings from
A.M. Best and Fitch, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company"
designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit
www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on Twitter or
Facebook.
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SOURCE Mercury Insurance