Tips for Safe Holiday Decorating
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and festive decorations that bring warmth and cheer to your home. Whether you’re trimming the tree for Christmas or lighting up your windows for New Year’s, it’s essential to decorate with safety in mind.
At Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee, we’re here to help you stay safe during the most wonderful time of the year.
Safe Decorating Tips for the Holidays
Check your lights and wires. Before you deck the halls with string lights, ensure all wires are intact, without frays or exposed wiring. Faulty lights are a common cause of fire hazards, especially when combined with dry trees. LED lights run cooler and are less likely to cause a fire. And never overload electrical outlets—this could trip circuits or spark a fire.
Secure decorations properly. Whether you’re hanging ornaments or putting up festive garlands, ensure everything is properly secured. Falling decorations can cause damage to your property or even injury. This is especially true for heavier items like glass ornaments or large wreaths. Use non-slip mats under your tree, and make sure any décor on shelves is securely fastened.
Avoid fire hazards with candles. While candles add a warm glow to your holiday décor, they’re also a potential fire risk if left unattended. Consider using battery-operated candles to create the same ambiance without open flames. If you do use traditional candles, place them on stable surfaces away from anything flammable, and never leave them burning unattended.
Keep the tree healthy. If you opt for a real tree for Christmas, make sure to water it daily to prevent it from drying out. A dry tree is highly flammable and can cause a fire to spread quickly if a lightbulb malfunctions. If you have a fake tree, make sure it’s made of fire-retardant materials to reduce the risk of fire. Read more Christmas tree safety tips here.
Many of these tips also apply if your family is celebrating other festive winter holidays that have their own unique decorating customs. Be sure to apply the same safety principles to your Hanukkah menorah or Kwanzaa kinara.
How Safe Decorating is Important for Your Insurance
Even if you’ve taken every precaution, sometimes accidents can happen—and that’s why it’s important to make sure your home insurance policy offers the coverage your property needs. Here’s how your homeowners or renters insurance can protect you during the holiday season:
Homeowners insurance: If you experience a loss—whether it’s from a fire or accidental damage related to your holiday decorations—your homeowners insurance may help cover the costs.
Renters insurance: If you’re renting, renters insurance can also help cover the cost of any personal property lost or damaged due to fires, theft, or vandalism during the holiday season.
Liability protection: If someone gets injured in your home due to an accident, your liability coverage can help cover medical expenses or legal fees.
At Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee, we want you to enjoy the holiday season safely. By following these holiday decorating safety tips and understanding how your home or renters insurance provides coverage, you can minimize risks and keep the festivities joyful.
Have questions about your coverage? Contact your local agent today to review your policy and check that your property is properly protected. From all of us at Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee, have a safe and happy holiday season!
