Holiday Hazards: Porch Pirates, Fires and Vandalized Decorations

Porch pirates, home vandals and tree fires, oh my! A new study from insuranceQuotes examines holiday hazards, including fires caused by lit candles and cooking mishaps, vandalism of outdoor holiday decorations, and theft of deliveries from doorsteps.

“During the holidays, certain crimes and home hazards increase. Homeowners need to take precautions and make sure they have the right insurance to protect their finances,” said Laura Adams, senior insurance analyst at insuranceQuotes. “You could have packages delivered to your office or a local locker—or use motion detectors, security systems and light timers to fend off thieves.”

According to the report, 25.9 million Americans (8%) have had a holiday package stolen from their front porch or doorstep—up from 23.5 million porch thefts reported in 2015.

Results revealed that 22.6 million Americans (7%) have had holiday decorations stolen or vandalized in the past year. As a result, they took the following precautions:

• 34% installed motion detectors
• 30% installed a security system
• 25% installed automatic timers for their holiday lights

Startling statistics about holiday fires:

• 12.9 million Americans have had a house fire caused by a fryer or cooking accident
• 9.7 million have had a house fire caused by lit candles
• 6.5 million have experienced a house fire caused by a Christmas tree

“Like many holiday hazards, house fires are preventable. Homeowners should clean grease from ovens and stovetops, keep candles in safe places, use newer lights to decorate, and keep Christmas trees at least three feet from heat sources. In addition, be familiar with your home or renters insurance policy,” said Adams.

Source: insuranceQuotes