5. Watch children - Keep all matches and lighters out of children’s reach - up high and preferably in a locked cabinet. Teach young children to stay away from candles, fireplaces and space heaters. Teach and supervise older children to light candles and fireplace fires safely.
6. Christmas Trees - Choose a fresh-cut Christmas tree. If you’re not cutting it yourself, buy a tree that’s not shedding its needles. Cut the trunk at an angle and install the tree in a large, deep, non-tip stand well away from fireplaces, exits and heat sources. Be sure your tree has a constant supply of water - check the level daily. Remove your tree promptly if it becomes dry. Store it well away from your home until you can dispose of it. If you use an artificial tree, be sure it’s flame-retardant.
7. Fireplaces - Have your chimney inspected by a professional at least once a year and have it cleaned if necessary. Always use a fire screen and burn only material appropriate for fireplaces. Never burn trash or paper in a fireplace; burning paper can float up your chimney and onto your roof or into your yard. Remove ashes in a metal container. Because they may rekindle, never store ashes in your home.
8. Candles - Before you light them, put candles in non-tip candle holders. Never burn candles near a Christmas tree or combustible decorations or displays. Keep candles well away from curtains and other combustibles, and never put candles in windows or near exits. Don’t leave candles burning unattended or within the reach of small children. Extinguish candles before you leave a room or go to bed.
Fire-Safety Tips for Safe, Enjoyable Holidays
Use candles with care.
Keep an eye on children.
Select toys with safety in mind.
Choose a fresh Christmas tree/keep it watered.
Inspect decorative lights for damage.
Give space heaters space.
Claims Help
Help! I've lost everything! Where do I start?
If most of us suddenly found ourselves without anything due to some
calamity, we would be hard pressed to know all that we had lost. When was
the last time you counted the number of shoes you own or CDs, not to mention
furniture, dishes, drapes, or audio and video equipment, etc.? How much is
it all worth and where would you start if you had to replace it all?
Now is the time to make a list of major household items and possessions.
Wherever possible, list the serial number, date and cost of purchase, and
include the receipt if you can. Another easy way to inventory your home is
to use a video camera or take pictures of your home and its contents. As you
take the video, you can also talk about the items and their date and cost of
purchase.
Whichever method you choose, have a copy made. Ask a friend or family member
to hold on to it or store your copy in a safe deposit box.
What do I do when my property is damaged or stolen. - Contact Brownell
Insurance Center, Inc. and your insurance company as soon as possible. If
there is damage to your home or possessions, make “emergency” repairs to
protect yourself and your property from further damage. Your policy covers
the cost of these emergency measures.
However, before setting about to make permanent repairs, call your insurance
company and Brownell Insurance Center, Inc. The insurance company has the
right to inspect the property in its damaged condition. They may want to
send a claims adjuster or instruct you to get an estimate from an
independent contractor.
If you have property stolen, notify the police immediately and call your
insurance company and Brownell Insurance Center, Inc.
Your Insurance Company Claim
numbers are listed on page 6.
