December 17, 2010
By: Carrie Van Brunt
As the holiday season approaches, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department is urging residents not to wait until the new year to review their home insurance policies and make sure they have enough coverage.
Officials said that residents who are planning on holding a holiday party should make sure both they and any caterers have enough liability insurance to cover anyone who could get injured during the party, particularly if alcohol will be served.
"Insurance companies see insurance claims spike during the holiday season, but many losses and claims can be avoided if homeowners take certain precautions beforehand," said acting insurance commissioner Robert L. Pratter. "Take a few minutes to review your insurance policy coverage before your holiday celebration begins."
The report also reminded residents to make sure they took precautions when using space heaters, keep a close eye on any burning candles and be sure to keep any trees or greens watered to help prevent fires.
If a tree does light on fire, it can quickly consume the entire house. During a recent safety event, the fire chief in Pasadena, California, said a Christmas tree gives off the same amount of heat as a gallon of gasoline when lit on fire.
Related Home Insurance Articles:
- NOAA predicts near-normal Eastern Pacific hurricane season May 25, 2012
- Safety officials call attention to home sprinkler system regulations May 24, 2012
- Thousands of St. Louis insurance claims cite recent hail damage May 22, 2012
- Tropical Storm Alberto changes course away from Carolinas May 21, 2012
- California tops the nation in dog bite claims May 17, 2012
