Keep Your Winter Holidays from Going ‘Up in Smoke’

Winter is right around the corner, full of opportunities for celebration, and that means more cooking, decorating and entertaining. However, one third of all residential fires occur during the winter months, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), resulting in billions of dollars in property damage and thousands of injuries and deaths each year. Winter fires can also start from other sources, including holiday lights, portable heating devices, or fireplaces. However, there are precautions that homeowners can take to keep home fires burning safely. “The fact is, many of these fires are preventable if the proper precautions are taken,” says Mike Convery, chief claim officer for MetLife Auto & Home. “Reviewing the fire safety basics only takes a few minutes and could save a life.”

Holiday Fire Prevention Tips

• Holiday candles are one of the leading causes of fires at this time of year. Many fires occur when holiday decorations, such as centerpieces, contact a lit candle. Always consider fire safety as part of your seasonal decorating routine.
• If you celebrate the season with a live Christmas tree, select one that is fresh and water it regularly. Keep it away from heat sources and exits. If you use an artificial tree, make sure it’s flame-resistant.
• Never burn a discarded Christmas tree, wreath or branches in your fireplace. These can be very oily and may damage your fireplace. More important, dry trees burn hot and fast, and often release sparks, which could ignite a carpet or window coverings.
• Never overload wall outlets and extension cords with electric lights and decorations. Use a power strip where you can. If you must use an extension cord, be sure it is appropriate for your lighting—that is, do not use an indoor extension cord to run exterior lights, for example.
• Always remember to unplug your holiday lights (inside and outside of your house) at bedtime and before you leave home.

Fireplace and Wood-Stove Safety Tips

• Keep a tight-fitting screen on your fireplace and obtain a professional chimney inspection annually before use. Also have your chimney cleaned on a regular basis.
• If you have a wood-burning stove, make sure there is ample clearance between the stove and any combustible materials. Burn only dry wood and dispose of the ashes in a closed metal container outside the house. Do not burn trash in the stove, and never let a wood fire burn unattended or overnight.
• Use common sense when using an electric space heater or portable kerosene heater. Always keep the heater away from flammables and—although it may be tempting—never accelerate the drying of clothes by placing them on top of the heater. Finally, have your heater serviced often.

As an ABA member, you have the opportunity to apply to purchase quality MetLife Auto & Home® group insurance at special group rates that are designed to save you money, with hassle-free payment options, and personalized service. A variety of policies are available to you through this program, including: auto, mobile home, recreational vehicle, and personal excess liability (“Umbrella”).

For more information, free insurance reviews, and no-obligation premium quotes, call the toll-free MetLife Benefits Line at 877-491-5089 or visit www.americanboating.org/metlife.asp. Be sure to mention Group Code BGX.

MetLife Auto & Home® is a brand of Metropolitan Property & Casualty Insurance Company and its Affiliates, Warwick, RI.