Mercury Insurance Offers Home Safety Tips to Keep the Holiday Season Merry and Bright

Mercury Insurance Provides Tips for a Safe and Festive Holiday Season at Home

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Embracing the holiday spirit often involves gatherings, cherished traditions, and the creation of lasting memories with loved ones. However, homeowners face unique challenges as they prepare to host guests or embark on holiday travels. To ensure a safe and joyful celebration, Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) has compiled a set of home safety tips for homeowners to consider during their holiday planning.

“Prioritizing safety and understanding the coverage provided by insurance policies is crucial for those preparing for holiday guests,” emphasized Bonnie Lee, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance. “Identifying and addressing potential hazards in and around the home is essential to maintain the festive spirit.”

Here are key tips for homeowners as they prepare for the holiday season:

1. Illuminate with care: The enchanting glow of holiday lights is a staple of the season. Before decking the halls, inspect lighting cords for wear, tears, or deformations. Check for signs of damage on indoor and outdoor lights, replacing any faulty bulbs or damaged strands. Ensure that outdoor lights and cords are suitable for outdoor use.

2. Enhance security measures: With an uptick in home burglaries during the holidays, it’s essential to deter intruders. Consider installing surveillance cameras, video doorbells, alarms, and robust locks. “For those with valuable gifts, confirm that your insurance policy covers them,” advised Lee.

3. Exercise caution in sharing: While sharing holiday moments on social media is tempting, homeowners should be cautious about revealing travel plans in real-time. Publicizing an empty house can attract unwanted attention. Lee suggests delaying the sharing of pictures and updates until after returning home.

4. Safeguard against kitchen fires: Cozying up by the fire is a holiday delight, but not when it comes to the kitchen. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day see an increased risk of home cooking fires. Homeowners should avoid leaving cooking areas unattended, keep combustible materials away, and have a readily accessible fire extinguisher.

As the holiday season unfolds, homeowners are encouraged to review their insurance coverage to ensure it meets their family’s needs, especially if there have been recent high-value renovations or purchases. “Preserving the joy of the season involves taking simple precautions for the protection of your property and peace of mind,” concluded Lee.