The Insurance Alliance of Michigan (IAM) is offering safety tips for homeowners and renters who are among the estimated 102 million people nationwide traveling over the Christmas holiday.
“More than 100 million people across the country are expected to travel to visit friends and family this Christmas, and we’re encouraging homeowners and renters to take a few precautions before leaving to ensure they don’t come home to a disaster,” said Dyck Van Koevering, interim executive director of the Insurance Alliance of Michigan. “Ensuring real Christmas trees are watered, tree lights aren’t left on and gifts aren’t left visible under the tree go a long way in preventing fires and deterring thieves.”
For those who prefer real Christmas trees, IAM suggests placing trees away from heat sources, like fireplaces and radiators, and to avoid overloading extension cords with more than three strands of lights. It’s also important to check the tree daily to ensure it has enough water. And if you are going out of town, be sure to turn off the tree lights before leaving.
IAM offers the following tips to make your home less welcoming to criminals while you’re traveling over the holiday:
- Don’t display gifts where they can be seen from the outside.
- Put lamps or indoor lights on an automatic timer.
- Keep exterior lights on.
- Lock your garage door, including the door leading into your home from the garage.
- Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your home, or even park their car in your driveway to give the impression that someone is home.
- Have someone collect your newspaper or mail, or have them stopped while you are away.
“With proper planning, and by taking a few additional precautions, homeowners and renters can ensure their home and belongings are safe and sound while they’re away,” Van Koevering said. “And if anything should happen, know that our member companies are there when disaster strikes to help their neighbors when they need them most.”
