Seasonal Security: A Guide to Keeping your Home Safe Over Christmas
As Christmas approaches, it's important to make sure that you’re prepared for anything that may happen in your home over the festive season. Christmas is a time for celebrations and catching up with family and friends, but it's also a period when homes can face potential hazards In this blog post, we'll talk about some ways that may keep your home safe and secure during the festive season.
Don’t forget to check the lights
Everyone loves the festive ambiance of Christmas lights. There are few sights more magical than driving past a house lit up brightly. However, it’s important to ensure your lights are in good working order to ensure your house is kept safe and sound. Make sure all of your lights are free from frayed wires, damaged sockets or signs of wear and tear. Never use outdoor lights inside or indoor lights outside. Don’t overload sockets and be sure to turn off everything any time you leave the house or head to bed.
Think…. before you decorate
Stockings hung by the fire, candles lighting up the room and Christmas cards lovingly displayed all help to give us that warm Christmas feeling but as the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) confirm, the highest number of fire fatalities occur during the winter months, particularly in December. The NDFEM suggests you make sure to have working smoke alarms, get your chimneys cleaned and make a plan so that everyone in the home knows what to do if a fire breaks out.
Secure your home
With the excitement of Christmas, sometimes it can be easy to forget about securing your home. Always make sure all windows and doors are locked any time you leave the house. If you’re planning on travelling over the Christmas period, let a friendly neighbour know so that they can keep an eye on your home, collect your post and let you know if anything strange happens while you’re gone. Check to make sure your home insurance policy is up to date and gives you the cover you need.
Protect your purchases
Christmas is always a big time of year for shopping, whether it’s online or in store. While purchasing online is convenient, it’s also important to consider what steps to take to make sure your packages arrive to you safely. For larger purchases some companies will offer the option of insurance. This could be a good way to give you some peace of mind. It's also a good idea to arrange with a neighbour you trust to take in each other’s packages if needed.
By taking these simple steps, you can enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday season with complete peace of mind. A little planning and thought can go a long way in keeping your home safe and secure and reducing the risk of fire. Make memories this Christmas while remaining confident that your home is protected no matter what you decide to do for the festive season.
An Post Insurance Home Insurance is underwritten by Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC.
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