The Skip Ivery Agency Concierge Program
September 10, 2019
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January 29, 2020
It’s the holiday season and the end of the decade! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Heather & I also celebrate our 10-year wedding anniversary on Dec. 31. All of this means parties, friends and family. But is your home safe for holiday guests? Yes, you have home insurance, or renters insurance, but that should be a last resort.
Sadly, a festive gathering can be ruined if someone gets hurt or property gets damaged, so keeping your home safe for holiday guests – and avoiding a home insurance claim — is something you should put on your to do list this month.
Safe walkways
Snow, ice and other wintry weather can make for an unsafe walk – or drive. Keep your walkways and driveway clear of ice and snow by shoveling or snow blowing and then using an ice-melting product.
Also, it’s dark in the winter, so make sure your home is well-lit.
Decorating for the holidays? Make sure cords are not in areas where folks walk & please detach garden hoses from the house.
Indoor accidents
There can be extra people and items laying around this holiday season, and one of the best things you can do is to keep your home free of tripping hazards. Make sure you don’t have too many area rugs or electrical cords in walkways and clean up wrapping paper after the gifts are open.
If you have overnight guests, do a quick inventory of the bathrooms to make sure there are grab bars in the tub and shower.
Your home insurance provider will thank you!
Fire free
This time of year, many people like to start fires, burn candles or enjoy holiday lights. But these things can increase the risk of fire. So, make sure you don’t light candles where they can catch other materials like curtains on fire and make sure your wires and cords aren’t frayed or damaged, and never leave anything burning unattended.
Have your fireplaced serviced, make sure fire extinguishers are functioning, and check both your smoke & carbon monoxide detectors.
Childproofing
If you have children coming, it is a good idea to do some basic childproofing. Keep chemicals and medications locked up and pack away breakables and plants.
It is also a good idea to put in outlet covers.
Have a pet? It might be a good idea to find a safe place for them during visits or parties.
Finally, check your policy and consider an umbrella policy. Unfortunately, one of our clients was sued for $1M for injuries suffered by a 12yr old girl who fell from a tree house on the client’s property. The court ordered the client to pay $700k, but luckily their umbrella policy covered the loss in excess of the home policy.
No one wants a home insurance claim this time of year! However, if you do have an issue, call the insurance agency quickly to discuss the options regarding filing a claim.
Skip Ivery Agency
At the Skip Ivery Agency, we can answer your questions about home insurance and holiday visits. Contact us today! We’d love to meet you.
