From sweater weather to soup season to pumpkin spice everything, this time of year is aglow with bright traditions of autumn that warm our hands and hearts as the temperatures drop.
While you’re tending to your favorite traditions, read up on the following hidden risks to protect yourself from safety hazards as well as potential impacts to your homeowners insurance rates or coverage.
1. Candles and Fire Safety
A flickering pumpkin-scented candle in the kitchen can lend a pleasant aroma to the room while brightening up the ambiance after we all “fall back.”
But use with caution; candles are also a leading cause of household fires. The National Fire Protection Association reports that candle fires peak during fall and winter, particularly around holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Safety Tips:
- Keep candles at least 12 inches away from flammable items like curtains, furniture, and seasonal decor.
- Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
- Consider using flameless LED candles for the same cozy glow without the fire risk.
Insurance Insights: Homeowners insurance generally covers fire damage, but if a candle fire is found to be due to negligence (like leaving a candle unattended), coverage could be limited or denied. To avoid such issues, document your efforts to practice fire safety, as this can demonstrate responsible usage if a claim is needed.
2. Bonfires and Outdoor Fire Pits
There’s nothing like a backyard bonfire or fire pit circled by close friends and family on a cool fall evening! Make sure you’re burning safely, though; bonfires can spread quickly if the wind shifts or flammable materials are too close.
Safety Tips:
- Always check local fire regulations before starting a fire—there may be burn bans in your area, especially in drought conditions.
- Maintain a safe distance from trees, fences, and structures, and keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Ensure the fire is completely out before leaving the area.
Insurance Insights: If a bonfire gets out of hand and damages your property or a neighbor's, your homeowners insurance might cover the damage. However, liability coverage limits could apply if it spreads to neighboring properties. Reviewing and, if needed, increasing your liability coverage is wise if you frequently have outdoor fires.
3. Burning Leaves
Burning leaves carries significant safety and environmental risks. Dry leaves ignite quickly, and a small fire can spread rapidly if not carefully controlled. Wind, dry weather, and nearby flammable materials can easily turn a leaf burn into a wildfire hazard.
Safety Tips:
- Check local regulations, as many areas have restrictions or bans on leaf burning due to air quality and fire risk concerns.
- Only burn leaves on a calm, wind-free day and keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Create a fire-safe zone by clearing the area around the pile and never leave it unattended.
Insurance Insights: Most homeowners insurance policies will cover accidental fires on your property, but damage resulting from illegal or unsafe practices, like unapproved leaf burning, may not be fully covered. Avoiding the practice or following local guidelines can prevent costly fire damage and keep you within policy limits.
Alternatively, consider composting or mulching as eco-friendly ways to dispose of leaves while avoiding fire risk and improving soil quality.
4. Frying a Turkey
Deep-fried turkey has become a popular (and delicious!) way to prepare your bird for a Thanksgiving meal, but beware of how you’re managing that deep fryer. Hot oil in these fryers can easily splash, spill, or ignite, leading to severe burns or fires.
Safety Tips:
- Only fry turkeys outdoors and away from structures, trees, or flammable materials.
- Make sure the turkey is completely thawed to avoid splattering.
- Have a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires on hand, as water can make oil fires worse.
Insurance Insights: Many homeowners policies cover damage caused by kitchen fires or cooking accidents, but using a deep fryer could be seen as an increased risk. If you host large gatherings or use a fryer often, check with your Wichert agent to see if additional coverage or safety measures are recommended to avoid denial of claims.
5. Seasonal Decor Hazards
From faux leaves to elaborate light displays, seasonal decor is a great way to bring fall spirit into your home. However, certain materials can be flammable, and extension cords for lights can present tripping hazards or increase electrical load.
Safety Tips:
- Use flame-retardant decor and avoid placing decorations near open flames.
- Inspect extension cords for wear, and avoid overloading circuits.
- Secure outdoor decorations to prevent them from becoming wind-blown projectiles during storms.
Insurance Insights: Many homeowners policies will cover damage from fire or wind-related incidents. However, using flame-resistant or shatterproof materials may reduce the risk of having to file a claim. Some insurers may even offer discounts for implementing certain safety features in your home, so it’s worth inquiring about potential savings. Contact your local, independent Wichert agent with any questions.
6. Holiday Travel and Vacant Homes
Thanks to Home Alone, many of us are well acquainted with the risk of burglaries in a vacant home during the holidays. If you plan to travel during the holidays, follow these safety tips to help protect your property from the likes of the Sticky Bandits and other hazards.
Safety Tips:
- Install timers on lights to create the appearance of someone being home.
- Set your thermostat at a safe level to prevent pipes from freezing if temperatures drop.
- Inform a trusted neighbor or friend about your absence so they can monitor your property.
Insurance Insights: Vacant homes can sometimes affect coverage, as certain policies may have limitations if damage occurs while a property is unoccupied. Many insurers offer endorsements or clauses to protect homes during travel; consult your Wichert agent if you plan to be away for an extended period.
Enjoy the Fall Season Safely and Securely
There’s so much to celebrate and enjoy this autumn, and with the right protection and the necessary precautions, you can rest assured that your family and property will remain the safe and cozy sanctuary you need as the days shorten. With help from your local, independent Wichert agent, you can rest assured that your home and property will be covered in the event of an emergency. Reach out today to make sure you have just the right coverage for your family.