From heightened theft and fire rates to party-related hiccups to lost luggage, the holidays require a little extra protection to keep the stress at bay. Whether you’re hitting the road to visit family, hosting a festive gathering, or safeguarding high-value gifts, preparing in advance can make all the difference. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through our top tips to help you protect your home, valuables, and travel plans—so that you can enjoy a safe, worry-free holiday season!

1. Be aware of fire hazards.

With all the holiday lights, space heaters, and candles in use this season, the risk of electrical fires or accidents is higher. Keep your home safe by following these fire prevention tips:

• Make sure your smoke detectors and fire alarms are in good functioning order and replace batteries if needed.
• Place candles on stable surfaces only, and keep them away from flammable items like curtains, decorations, and trees.
• Blow out candles and turn off lights and electronics (including holiday lights, decorations, and space heaters) before leaving the house or going to bed to prevent accidental fires.
• Check lights and extension cords for frayed wires or broken bulbs before using them.
• Ensure that lights designed for interior use are only used indoors, and lights designed for exterior use are only used outdoors.
• Avoid overloading outlets, and use surge protectors as an extra precaution.
• Never leave cooking unattended, even during busy holiday gatherings.
• Clean your chimney before using the fireplace, use a screen to contain the sparks, and keep rugs and other flammable items away from the fire.
• If you have a real Christmas tree, place it away from heat sources and keep it well-watered to reduce the risk of it becoming dry and highly flammable.

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2. Invest in home security.

Keeping your home secure is especially crucial during the holiday season—especially if you’re planning to be away for an extended period of time, or if you have any expensive gifts laying around. Here are some steps you can take to protect your home and belongings:

• Install or upgrade your home security system, including a video doorbell and/or surveillance camera—this could even qualify you for a discount on your Home Insurance! Nowadays, there are a lot of budget-friendly options on the market, with many of them supporting smartphone connectivity for real-time remote alerts.
• Double-check that all entry points to your home, including doors and windows, are locked at all times.
• Use motion-activated outdoor lighting to deter any trespassers.
• Avoid hiding spare keys outside in common hiding spots, like under mats or flower pots. If absolutely necessary, leave a spare key with a trusted neighbour, friend, or relative.

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3. Mind your valuables.

If you’re giving or receiving any particularly expensive gifts this season, such as jewelry, electronics, or collectibles, you may need to take extra care to ensure that they’re protected under your Home Insurance. Don’t forget to:

• Review your policy, as coverage limits can leave items valued over $2000 at risk for theft, loss, or damage—especially during holiday travel. To fully protect your valuables, consider adding endorsements to extend your coverage.
• Keep documentation related to valuable items, like receipts, photos, and appraisals.
• Store high-value items, including gifts, in a safe place where they’re not visible to passersby from windows.
• Refrain from posting about vacations in real-time or flaunting expensive goods on social media, as it could signal an opportunity to potential thieves that you have valuables in the home with no one around.

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4. Plan ahead for smooth travels.

Between winter getaways and family gatherings, it’s no surprise that the holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for travel. Unfortunately, the high volume of travellers also increases the likelihood of delays, cancellations, and other unexpected mishaps. So if you have a trip coming up, follow these tips so that you can travel with confidence:

• Review your homeowner’s policy. If you have the proper contents coverage, your personal belongings might even be covered while they’re temporarily outside of your home!
• Invest in a comprehensive Travel Insurance policy that matches your travel needs, especially if you’re leaving the country, participating in high-risk activities, or bringing high-value items with you! Standard coverage typically includes trip cancellations, delays, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen belongings.
• Check whether or not your current Health Insurance policy extends to wherever you’re going, and supplement with additional travel medical and evacuation coverage if needed.
• Carry your insurance details and emergency contact information with you at all times, should you need help while abroad.
• Monitor the travel advisories for your destination; certain policies may not cover trips to high-risk areas affected by political unrest or natural disasters.
• If you’re away for more than a few days, take measures to make your home seem occupied: keep your smart lightbulbs on a timer, and arrange for a trusted friend, relative, or neighbour to check on your home, collect your mail, and/or shovel your driveway.

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5. Host parties responsibly.

Planning to have family and friends over for a holiday gathering? It’s important to be aware of your personal liability risks as a host, such as guest injuries, property damage, or alcohol-related incidents. Here are some key tips for hosting holiday parties responsibly:

• Reduce the chance of slip-and-falls by keeping your driveways, walkways, and steps well-lit and clear of snow, ice and other tripping hazards.
• Restrict guest access to areas with potential hazards, such as basements, attics, or any spaces with valuable or fragile items that could be easily damaged.
• Make sure there is a designated driver in each party upon arrival and limit their alcohol consumption.
• Provide plenty of non-alcoholic drinks and food options for guests, and stop serving alcohol towards the end of the night to help prevent accidents caused by impaired judgment.
• For bigger and more formal functions, hire a Smart Serve certified bartender.
• Don’t let intoxicated guests get behind the wheel of a car—be prepared to call a cab or use a rideshare app if needed.
• If possible, keep a spare bedroom or bed available in case of any last-minute overnight guests.
• If you have a potentially aggressive pet, consider keeping them in a separate area or with a pet sitter to reduce the risk of causing accidental harm to guests.
• Good news: Home Insurance will typically cover you for repairs and medical bills in case of property damage or personal injury, but do review your policy to familiarize yourself with the specifics of your coverage—especially when it comes to host liquor liability and pet-related incidents.

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