Christmas Safety: Protecting Your Home, Finances and Family This Holiday Season

The holidays can be an exciting, memorable and joyous time. As you gather with family, enjoy the season of giving and celebrate, it’s important to avoid becoming complacent about safety and security. After all, while the Christmas season is a time of merriment and good tidings, there may also be risks and perils to account for during the holiday season. With this in mind, you and your family should consider various safety guidance throughout this time of year.

Understanding Seasonal Risks

When implementing and maintaining appropriate risk management and loss control measures for your property and finances, you must first identify potential risks and exposures that may be created or exacerbated during the holiday season. Consider the following:

• Crime—The shorter daylight hours and rushed pace of life around this time of year may offer opportunities to criminals. Always lock the doors and windows of your home and car, avoid leaving gifts and other valuables in plain sight and limit the amount of cash you carry with you at any one time. 
• Fires—Between preparing decadent cuisine, stringing up holiday lights and enjoying the warmth and ambiance of candles and fireplaces, the holiday season may present many fire-related risks. Follow manufacturer instructions on all electronic devices, have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned, and never leave open flames or cooking equipment unattended. 
• Weather—The weather outside may indeed be frightful around this time of year. Be sure to keep salt, ice melt or sand in your home to ensure you can clear ice and snow from sidewalks and driveways, thus limiting the risk of guests and passersby slipping and falling. Check the forecast before leaving home and postpone any unnecessary errands or trips until inclement conditions have passed. 
• Cyber incidents—As more transactions are conducted online, the holiday shopping season may present particularly high levels of cyber risks. When purchasing gifts or other goods via the internet, make sure you are using trusted and reputable websites, and avoid clicking on any offers or promotions that seem too good to be true until you can verify their legitimacy.  

How to Protect Yourself From Holiday-related Risks

Purchasing and maintaining appropriate homeowners insurance can be critical in securing your finances this holiday season. In the event of a fire, burglary or weather-related incident, proper coverage can make all the difference in limiting out-of-pocket expenses and losses that might otherwise derail your festivities, destabilize your finances and ruin your holiday joy.

By contacting the dedicated team at Goal Insurance, you and your family can ensure that you have adequate financial protection in place and fully enjoy the season’s merriment with peace of mind and financial security. Visit our website or call 801-877-6567 to learn more.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.