Table of Contents
- Outdoor Winter Safety: Clear Walkways and Protect Your Liability
- Safely Use Fireplaces and Candles This Holiday Season
- Protect Your Furry Friends This Season
- Home Security Tips for a Safe Holiday Season
- Protect Yourself from Holiday Scams: Charity Fraud, Phishing, and Smishing
- Stay Safe and Enjoy a Worry-Free Holiday Season
The holiday season is full of excitement, but safety can often be overlooked amid the hustle and bustle. From preventing fire hazards to securing decorations, our tips will help keep your home, family, and pets safe. Take a moment to ensure your celebrations are both festive and worry-free with these simple tips.
Outdoor Winter Safety: Clear Walkways and Protect Your Liability
Keep your driveway, walkways, and public sidewalks clear during the winter months to prevent accidents. Icy surfaces can make you liable for injuries, so it’s important to stay proactive in maintaining safe pathways. For added protection, speak with your Broker about Umbrella Coverage. Unica’s Umbrella policy is designed to boost and complement your liability limits, covering your personal vehicle, home, and everyday activities.
Safely Use Fireplaces and Candles This Holiday Season
To ensure the safety of your family and home while enjoying the warmth of your fireplace or the ambiance of candles, follow these essential precautions:
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- Use the fireplace and candles with care: Never leave open flames unsupervised, especially when you’re ready to end your night.
- Keep children and pets at a safe distance: Prevent accidents by keeping young ones and pets away from the fire and hot surfaces.
- Avoid flammable items near the fire: Keep materials like curtains, paper, and cloth far from flames to reduce fire risks.
- Be mindful of the fireplace glass and candle wax: Even if children can’t touch the flames directly, they can suffer burns from hot glass or spilled wax.
Protect Your Furry Friends This Season
Keep your pets safe this holiday season by keeping them away from toxic plants, such as poinsettias, which can be harmful if ingested. It’s also important to keep decorations out of reach, as some ornaments, tinsel, or lights may pose a danger. The Toronto Humane Society recommends creating a designated safe room for your pets, where they can relax and escape the noise and excitement of holiday activities. Additionally, be mindful of foods and substances that can be harmful to your pet, including chocolate, xylitol (a sweetener found in sugar-free candy, baked goods, and gum), and alcohol. If you suspect your pet has ingested any of these, contact your veterinarian immediately. Taking these precautions will help ensure your pets stay safe and healthy during the festivities.
Home Security Tips for a Safe Holiday Season
During the holiday season, home security is more important than ever due to an increase in break-ins. Follow these key tips to keep your home and family protected:
- Always lock doors and windows to prevent unauthorized entry.
- Keep your garage closed to avoid giving burglars easy access.
- Avoid leaving gifts visible under the tree if your windows face the street—this can be an invitation for theft.
- Don’t share details of your whereabouts on social media, especially if you’re travelling, as burglars often use this information to target homes.
- Avoid posting pictures of gifts on social media, which could attract unwanted attention.
- Make your home appear occupied by using timers for lights, asking a neighbor to collect mail, or having someone check on your home while you’re away.
By taking these simple precautions, you can reduce the likelihood of a break-in and ensure your holiday season stays safe and secure.
Protect Yourself from Holiday Scams: Charity Fraud, Phishing, and Smishing
During the holiday season, be cautious of charity scams and phishing attempts, as fraudsters often exploit the festive time to take advantage of generous individuals. The RCMP advises that before donating, ensure your contributions are going to legitimate organizations by checking with the Better Business Bureau, which provides reliable information on charities and businesses in the province. Additionally, watch out for phishing and smishing tactics, which are designed to steal your personal information, such as passwords, usernames, and credit card details. These scams often come in the form of emails or text messages that include links to fake websites masquerading as trusted institutions, such as banks or retailers, prompting you to log in or update your personal information.
Stay Safe and Enjoy a Worry-Free Holiday Season
Protect yourself from falling victim to these deceptive schemes by staying vigilant. For added peace of mind, speak to your Broker about Identity Theft Coverage—available as part of a comprehensive insurance policy such as Unica’s LIVEasy coverage. By being proactive about home security and holiday hazards, you can prevent accidents and focus on enjoying the festivities with your loved ones. Stay safe and make the most of this special time of year!
