State offers tips for keeping holidays festive
The holiday season is a festive time, which often means homes are decorated and family and friends visit, but it’s also a time to heed safety tips for keeping the season joyful, said a press release from Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration.
“Holiday lights and candles give a home a holiday glow, but they can also pose a fire hazard,” State Fire Commissioner Tim Solobay said in the release. “One way to avoid this hazard is to purchase artificial candles, which can look very realistic, while giving you peace of mind this holiday season.”
Solobay offered several other suggestions for keeping holiday lights, decorations, and candles safe. These include choosing decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant and keeping all holiday greenery, including trees, well-watered. In addition, never leave burning candles or cooking appliances unattended, and keep children and pets away from open flames and hot surfaces.
Other decoration safety suggestions include replacing any string of lights that has worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections and avoiding connecting more than three strands of lights on a tree. Be sure to turn off lights before leaving home or going to bed.
Holiday party hosts should also be aware of the legal responsibilities that go with holding a gathering in their home. This is especially true if alcohol is being served.
“Hosts can be held legally responsible for guests’ actions after they leave a party,” Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller said in the release. “Social host liability can have consequences for someone who serves liquor to a guest.”
Miller reminded consumers that homeowners’ insurance often provides some liquor liability coverage, but this coverage varies by policy. She recommended that homeowners planning to host a party review their policy or discuss their coverage with their insurance professional.
She also recommended several ways to make sure guests get home safely from holiday parties, such as stopping the serving of liquor toward the end of the party and switching to coffee, tea, or soft drinks; and arranging for a ride or overnight accommodation for any guest who appears tired or intoxicated.
Miller also advised consumers that if they are giving or receiving expensive gifts, such as jewelry, electronics, or other costly items, they should review their homeowners’ insurance to make sure they have sufficient coverage. The commissioner recommended that unwrapped gifts, especially more expensive ones, not be left visible through windows.
“The holidays are a time to relax and enjoy getting together with family and friends,” Solobay said. “By applying a few common sense safety ideas, you can make sure your holiday gatherings remain happy ones you will want to remember for years to come.”
For fire safety tips, visit the state fire commissioner on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PAOSFC. For homeowners insurance information, visit www.insurance.pa.gov, and click on Home under Top Pages.
About Press Release
State offers tips for keeping holidays festive Read More »
