The holidays are full of festivities, decorations, and good cheer. However, it's still important to prioritize safety. While home insurance will protect your finances if fire, theft, or another covered event occurs, there are many steps you can take to prevent these issues in the first place. Here are a few ways to safeguard your home this season.

A Homeowner's Guide to Holiday Safety

1. Be Discreet About Travel

Many people travel over the holidays. While it might be tempting to share your plans on social media, only do so on a private platform. 

Posting details like when you'll depart and return on pages that are accessible to everyone can increase the risk of break-ins while the home is unattended. Making your networks private when you travel is a safer choice if you announce holiday plans.

2. Be Careful With Lights

Every year, fire departments respond to nearly 800 fires caused by holiday decorations. Holiday lights present the greatest fire risk, but you don't need to forgo them to maintain a safe home. 

Only use low-heat LED lights and never connect more than three strings into a single extension cord, as that could overheat the circuit. Also, only use outdoor extension cords for exterior decorations.

3. Have Heating Systems Inspected

Over the holidays, many homeowners choose to light their fireplaces. Fire is also a concern with furnaces and chimneys, especially those that are older or haven't been serviced in a while. 

Have an HVAC technician check your heating system and perform any necessary repairs to make the furnace safer and more efficient. A chimney professional can confirm that your fireplace is in safe working order, and if it's been more than a year or two since the last cleaning, plan to have the chimney cleaned as well.

If you need new or updated home insurance to protect your household this holiday season, contact Spanish Solutions Services LLC. They have served Greensboro, NC, and the Triad Area since 2005, offering plans for all needs and budgets. For your convenience, their professionals are fully bilingual. Call (336) 294-7415 to request a quote, or visit their website to learn more about home insurance.