The 12 Perils of the Holiday Season

Allstate Data Shows Holiday Hazards Hit Close to Home for New York State Residents

While the holiday season may be the ‘Most Wonderful Time of Year’, it can also be a very dangerous time of year. Remember to use caution this holiday season to avoid the perils that have plagued the ghosts of holiday homeowners’ past…

• One Very-Expensive Christmas Tree… Since 2008, the most costly holiday fire claim involved an artificial Christmas tree in the homeowners’ living room. The total loss amount cost nearly $2.4 million.

• Two Firework Mishaps… Around New Year’s Eve, (last week of December through first week in January) there are nearly twice as many claims caused by fireworks. The median cost for fireworks-related claims is nearly $14,000.
• Three Turkey Fryer Fires… On average, there are three times more turkey fryer claims during the holiday season than any other time of the year. The median cost for turkey fryer-related claims is almost $29,000.
• Four Burning Candles… Candles are the most likely to cause a holiday-related fire. In fact, Christmas week is among the top three weeks for candle-related claims. The median cost for candle-related claims is almost $50,000.
• Five Stolen Rings… Don’t advertise shopping trips or gift purchases on social media. Whether it’s “check-ins” using geo-location services, travel plan updates, or even photos uploaded while at a holiday party, people may be unknowingly giving today’s “digital thieves” greater insight into the contents of your car’s trunk, times you’re away from home and even the holiday gifts hiding in your closet.
• 6% Theft Increase… Be sure to lock your doors! In New York, the rate of homeowner theft increases by 6% during the Holiday Season!

• Seven Different Directions…60% percent of New Yorkers are trying new techniques for cooking and decorating. The majority of New Yorkers are trying to do too many things at once during the Holidays.
• Eight Extra Eggnogs…56% percent of New Yorkers who drink alcohol during the holidays say they drink more during the holidays than they usually do throughout the year.
• Nine Drains Clogging… Be careful in the kitchen. The incorrect disposal of cooking grease, overuse of garbage disposals, and improper or excessive waste disposal can result in clogged drains and can cause sewer problems during this time of year. For better and proper waste disposal, you may look at this cheap Brisbane bins skips book online for more details.
• Ten Electrical Fires… In New York State, the risk of fire increases by 18% during the Holiday season compared to other times throughout the year.

• Eleven Missing Presents… When shopping, don’t leave purchases in the passenger compartment of your unattended vehicle. Store them out of sight, in the trunk.
• Twelve Burning Trees… Make a smart tree purchase. If buying a natural tree, make sure it’s fresh so it will be less of a fire hazard. Artificial trees should be labeled as fire resistant. Keep your tree away from heat.

For more home protection tips and to learn about Allstate’s homeowners offerings, visit www.goodlife.allstate.com.

Survey Methodology

The survey of 9,880 American adults age 18+ was conducted October 25 – November 5, 2013 via an online survey using a sample panel. 200 interviews were conducted in each state with the exception of AK: n = 104, WY: n = 140, ND: n = 174, SD: n = 181, VT: n = 176, and DC: n = 105. Analyses for each state were weighted to match its demographic profile. In addition, analyses of the overall findings were weighted by the national population parameters. The survey was conducted by FTI Consulting, Inc. (FTI) for Allstate.

For More information and a new quote please call Shirley Eizember, Pinckney Insurance Agency, 41 Port Watson St, Cortland New York. 607-756-8505

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer known for its “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®” slogan. Now celebrating its 80th anniversary as an insurer, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help nearly 16 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.

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