'Tis the season to deck the halls with boughs of holly. But be aware — all that holiday cooking and decorating has the potential to cause serious hazards in your home.

Knowing the risks — and how to help avoid injury, theft and damage to property through the holiday season — can help save you from expensive homeowners’ insurance claims.

Did you know…

• Overloaded extension cords or lighting equipment was responsible for starting almost half (40%) of home Christmas tree fires in 2011-2015;
• Poorly placed and unattended candles accounted for 1/3 of all home decoration fires and started 8% of home Christmas tree structure fires; and
• Heating equipment was involved in 15% of the Christmas tree fires*

Check out these three tips to keep your holiday merry and bright!

Practice safe holiday decorating and have a Happy New Year!

*According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Two facts about Halloween: 1) Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than any other day of the year according to Safe Kids Worldwide.  2) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that Halloween is one of the top three days of the year for pedestrian injuries and fatalities. So, drivers and parents need to pay extra attention.

Related Links: Umbrella Liability

What's a Fourth of July celebration without fireworks?

Who didn't handle sparklers as a kid? I know I did. But did you know hand-held sparklers burn at temperatures of around 2,000 degrees F? That's hot enough to cause third-degree burns and melt some metals!

Let's let these facts* tell the story...

• In 2017, 14% of the injuries reported were from sparklers, which are number-one cause of fireworks injuries
• Each year, firework injuries are in the thousands
• On average, 1,300 structure fires are caused by fireworks, including 300 vehicle fires
• In 2017, there were eight firework-related deaths to people ranging in age from four to 57
• Approximately 12,900 fireworks-related injuries were reported at hospital emergency departments in 2017, mostly occurring two weeks prior and after the July Fourth holiday

Misuse and malfunction were the primary causes for injury including:

• Setting off fireworks improperly and by hand
• Throwing lit fireworks at someone
• Dismantling and manufacturing fireworks
• Lighting fireworks too close to someone
• Trying to re-ignite dud fireworks
• Placing fireworks too close to a heat source
• Tip-over incidents
• Debris
• Errant flight paths
• Exploding fireworks while still in the tube
• Sparks exiting from the rear of the device

If you're going to handle fireworks, use them responsibly, safely and follow the law. Have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day!

Related links:
Fireworks safety tips
Homeowners Insurance

*Source: U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC)

Now that summer is "officially" here, one thing is certain — even the simplest activities can go wrong.

Using sports equipment like tennis racquets, baseballs, baseball bats, flying saucers, lawn darts, or horseshoes has the potential to harm others. So does the use of skateboards, bikes, mopeds, go-karts, and radio-controlled cars, drones, helicopters and planes.  What can possibly happen when you have friends over to use your driveway, play equipment or swimming pool?

Potential liability comes from either you having fun at the expense of others or their property, or failing to take precautions for those you've invited to your residence (or other places).

Preserve Your Summer Fun
The easiest way to prepare for summer-activity liability is to ask yourself these questions:

• What can I do to keep others safe from my activities?
• Am I prepared to be responsible for people I hurt or property I damage?
• How do I make my home and yard safe for fun-seeking visitors?
• Am I keeping my guests to various events safe?

While accidents happen, many can be prevented by making sure that you and your children enjoy your activities responsibly. Operating bikes safely and in low traffic areas reduces the chance that others will be hurt. The proper use of games and equipment also make the likelihood of having someone injured more remote. In other words, it's important that your family uses sports and game equipment safely and appropriately.

Adult supervision is critical for potentially dangerous activities such as the use of motorized recreational equipment, trampolines, and swimming pools (including small wading pools). It's also important to make certain that guests you invite for camping or hiking trips are watched after carefully. In many instances, you are responsible for the safety of your guests when you invite them to enjoy outdoor activities, particularly boating or other activities involving water-related equipment.

How Does Liability Insurance Play a Role?
When accidents happen, they may be followed by medical expenses and, more seriously, lawsuits. Wouldn't you want to be  protected against such financial consequences?

Don't assume you have coverage — especially when an activity involves motorized or powered equipment. You may have to add coverage to your homeowner's policy or even buy special coverage for mini-bikes, mopeds, boats, all-terrain vehicles, etc.

Make safety part of getting ready for summer fun. Contact your insurance professional to make sure you have the right coverage to support a fun summer!

Related links: Umbrella Liability

Ah, Valentine's Day! The time of year many celebrate by getting their "special someone" fine jewelry. Perhaps even "popping the question!"

But what happens if that valuable item is lost, stolen or destroyed?

A basic homeowner's or renter's policy (if you have one) typically only covers up to $1,500 worth of bling — like jewelry, watches, furs, precious and semiprecious stones — from theft.

The best way to protect your jewelry, and other valuable items is with a personal articles floater. This can be written as a stand alone policy or endorsed onto your homeowner’s or renter’s policy. And, it's not expensive!

A floater can also cover specifically described and insured valuables including furs, cameras, musical instruments and equipment, silverware, golf equipment, antiques, fine arts, memorabilia, souvenirs, and collections.

Protect the objects of your love with a personal articles floater. Contact Connecticut Insurance Exchange today by email or call 860 666-5443. You'll be glad you did.

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!