It is a wonderful time of the year when the holiday's approach. It seems like so many people are friendly and excited about the events and fun that surround this time of year. Some people will have a holiday party, while others will be content to have family and friends over for a visit. This is the time of year that it is easy to forget the basic safety protocol we have learned to live by every day. An accident on your property can mean heartache and trouble for the holidays. Here are some things that will help make this year a great time to remember.

Keeping Unwanted Visitors Out

Break-ins this time of the year are very common. People leave home for a trip and before they get back someone has paid a visit to their home and stolen all their valuables. 

• Keep the locks on your doors in working order. It is easy to let the small things go when it comes to repairs. But, the locks on the doors should not be one of them. Make sure they work and use them when you are not at home.
• Let a trusted neighbor know when you will be away from home for an extended period. Give them your contact information and dates you will be back so they can keep an eye on the house while you are gone.
• It would be a good idea to simply take valuables with you should your trip be an extended one. That way if your home is broken into, then the loss will be minimal.

Water and Ice

With the holidays come the cooler temperatures and snow. Take the following precautions to keep your home safe from weather-related damages.

• Wrap those pipes in the basement. Frozen pipes can crack, and when the water starts to flow again, it will leak all over the place, causing you to have thousands of dollars in repairs. Wrapping pipes keeps them at a stable temperature even when the temperature drops.
• Leave the thermostat set above freezing when you are traveling. Resist the temptation to shut off the thermostat while away.
• Check insulation amounts in the walls to make sure it is enough. Older homes are prone to have insulation problems. Have a professional check it and take action to fix any issues that come up.

Fire Is a Real Problem

During the holidays, families like to leave the tree and lights on for Santa. Here are some things to watch out for, so a fire does not start.

• Keep the tree watered this time of the year. A dried-out tree is a hazard when it comes to fire safety. The dry tree can easily catch fire from the heat of the lights.
• Shut the stove off when you are done using it to cook. Stress causes people to be forgetful. Take the extra time to shut off a burner or oven, so people do not get burned.
• Put all lights on a timer. Lights put off a lot of heat and can start a fire if they malfunction. By putting the lights on a timer, you can minimize the risk of fire starting.

The holiday season is a great time to get your insurance policies in order. If you have any questions about them or would like to have a thorough check done on your coverage amounts, then please call us at Kyle Insurance Group - Affordable American Insurance today or visit our website. We can answer all of your questions and help you with your insurance needs.