The most wonderful time of year can turn into the most disastrous time of year if a policyholder experiences a fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 210 home fires involving Christmas trees and another 150 home fires involving holiday lights and other decorative lighting occur each year.

Share these simple tips with your policyholders to help them avoid a disaster. Inspect holiday lights – Check lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots and excessive kinking or wear before using them. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging them in to an outlet.

Use caution with candles – Consider using battery-operated candles. When using lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders, and place them where they cannot be knocked down easily.
Water natural Christmas trees – Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly.

ServiceMaster Restore® is available 24/7/365 to assist your policyholders if they experience fire damage. We offer emergency services, quick response time and work with all major insurance companies.

Reproduced from NFPA’s website, ©NFPA 2014.

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