Stay Safe - and Claim Free - This Holiday Season - Dec 01, 2008

We're facing some challenging economic times in North America. It's got a lot of us thinking about what we can do to minimize unnecessary spending. When it comes to your insurance costs, the most effective way to make sure that your insurance premiums don't go up is to reduce your chances of having to make a claim.

As winter descends on us, additional risks present themselves. As a driver, you can reduce your risk of having an accident by taking it slower on the roads, making sure you have good winter tires and putting down that cell phone. But did you know that you can do things around your home to help ensure you won't need to make a claim this winter? From house fire prevention to reducing the risk of burglary, our tips will help to keep you "claim free" this winter.

Deck the Halls with Caution

Flickering candles, roaring fires and glittering decorations create beautiful ambiance during the holidays. They also account for thousands of personal tragedies each year. Home fires increase significantly during December, and they are typically sparked by heating sources, candles and poorly placed decorations. To keep your home and family safe this holiday season, and to reduce the risk of placing an insurance claim, take the following precautions.

· have your furnace, ducts and airways cleaned by a professional
· have a professional chimney sweep ensure that your wood-burning fireplace is fit for use
· never leave a burning candle unattended
· keep candles where pets and children can't get at them
· put candles in fireproof, sturdy holders
· look for artificial trees that are fire-resistant
· real trees should be green, fresh and well watered
· keep trees and other flammable decorations away from fireplaces, radiators, candles and other heat sources
· use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord

Crime Prevention Tips

Thieves are always on the lookout for an opportunity, but the Christmas season is a particularly rich time for burglars. They know that gifts and costly items are often more easily accessible at this time of year. Here are some simple steps you can take to protect your property from opportunistic thieves looking for a place to "shop".

When you're away from home:
· use timers to turn lights off and on at varying intervals in several rooms
· turn on a radio
· turn down the volume on your telephones so that their ringing won't make your absence obvious to someone listening outside a door or window

When you'll be gone for several days:
· leave a car parked in the driveway
· make arrangements for someone to shovel your walks and driveway
· stop all deliveries (mail, newspaper, water, etc.)
· ask a neighbour to use your trash cans to make it look like you're home

In your vehicle:
· be sure your doors are locked
· keep your parcels in your trunk or well hidden
· resist to the temptation to keep your vehicle running when you are not in it

The staff of Fort MacLeod Agencies wishes you a safe and Merry Christmas.