If you have ever seen any Christmas movies, you probably know that holiday mishaps are bound to happen. While they are funny to watch and laugh at, when it happens in real life it's no laughing matter. Here are some tips on how to avoid holiday mishaps so that you can spend all your time enjoying being with friends and family.

·Holiday Decorations - According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the number of holiday decoration-related injuries increase by 1,000 each year.

o   Inspect lights every year for frayed wires and/or cracked sockets

o   Make sure ladders are secure when going up them

o   Make sure all decorations are non-flammable

o   Keep all decorations away from heat vents

o   Never leave a burning candle unattended

·Make sure your house is completely locked up when you leave – Check all doors, windows, and openings. Keep some lights on or use timers if needed.

·Make sure your fireplace has been serviced properly – Everyone loves sitting by the fireplace while listening to Christmas music, but if it has not been properly serviced, it can turn into a bad experience. The Chimney Safety Institute of America estimates that roughly 24,000 house fires and 10 deaths occur each year from chimney and fireplace fires. Make sure to have your chimney swept and flue checked each year. Also, make sure to create a top-down burn to reduce the chance of fire spreading and remove excess ash buildup.

·Prevent risk of falling in the snow – With people coming and going to your home throughout the holidays, it is important to shovel and salt, when it snows, to avoid injuries on your property.

o   Wear appropriate footwear

o   Walk on surfaces that have already been cleared off

o   Slow down

·Poisonous Plants – Mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry, and amaryllis should not be consumed by pets or humans. Make sure to keep these holiday decorations out of reach of small children and pets

Other holiday mishaps include:

·You attempt to roast chestnuts on an open fire and accidentally burn down the house

·Your outdoor light display sets your trees and bushes on fire

·Your sewer backs up because you pour grease from your fried turkey down the drain
·A squirrel jumps out of your Christmas tree, then your dog chases it and destroys your belongings

·Thieves snatch all the gifts left under the tree

If you aren't sure if you are covered for any of these mishaps, give our office a call and review your policy with one of our agents.

For more information about Philadelphia homeowners insurance, call The Weimer Group at 877-791-1707 today!

Merry Christmas from The Weimer Group!