The holiday season is upon us! We love to see all the decorations in our hometown of Archbold as well as the surrounding areas of Bryan OH, Defiance OH, Sylvania OH, Toledo, Waterville OH, and Wauseon OH. In fact, we know that many areas even feature suggest routes to see the most decorated neighborhoods! However, as your homeowners’ insurance provider, we, of course, have to warn you about the dangers some holiday decorations can present.
We’re talking about candles.
Homeowners Insurance for Bryan OH, Defiance OH, Sylvania OH, Toledo, Waterville OH, and Wauseon OHCandles are the number one cause of holiday fires. Not fireplaces. Not cooking disasters. But those decorative candles you are putting on your holiday dinner table, the counter, the mantle and more. As much as we would like, you know you won’t switch over to electronic candles completely. You are too attached to the smell, ambiance and soft glow of candles. Ok, we understand. They do create quite the atmosphere. So let’s go over the best tips for candles:
Keep the area clear. Those evergreen decorations do look great with candles but this is one area we beg you to use electronic candles. Dry fuel and open flame do not mix. This also includes drapes, paper or other decorations.
Keep the candle in sight. Don’t go to the other room to start your holiday movie until the candles are completely extinguished. Don’t “let them burn down” when you’re not in the room.
Keep the candle on a firm, flat surface. If you are placing it on a tablecloth with padding underneath, put a flat item underneath the candle to lessen the chance of it knocking over.
Use proper candle holders. Unfortunately, this might knock out the cute candle holder your niece painted. You need candle holders that will hold the candle in a straight, vertical position and can catch any drips.
We know these rules seem extensive, but we want our customers to be safe. We have provided many Toledo families with the homeowners’ insurance they need and unfortunately have seen them had to use their policies. The holiday season is magical. Stay safe and enjoy.
