The 3 Biggest Risks Associated with Holiday Parties
By: Hannah Blender (Property Casualty 360) December 2014
The “ugly” Christmas sweater has become a holiday tradition for many, with ugly sweater party themes having grown in popularity across the country in recent years.
But sweaters aren’t the only things that can get ugly during the holidays. While the Christmas season is a big time for get-togethers with family and friends, holiday home hazards, such as kitchen fires, decorative fires and theft are just some of the problems that can arise as a result.
According to a new Allstate poll, 83% of Americans will attend a holiday party this season and 54% of Americans will host holiday parties in their homes.
“This time of the year is especially festive and celebratory for Americans, but we often forget to take precautions to secure our valuables and homes from potential hazards when hosting parties,” said Laurie Pellouchoud, vice president of product operations, homeowners line management, for Allstate. “Taking a few extra steps before the next ‘ugly sweater’ party or other holiday get-together could protect your family and friends from costly mishaps during the holiday season.”
Allstate’s latest Holiday Home Hazards poll found that a vast majority—91% of Americans—agree they can reduce risks associated with fires, accidents and theft during the holiday season through their own attention and action. More than half of those surveyed also guessed correctly that fire and theft risks are higher during the holiday season, indicating that they are aware of the increased risks and the need for vigilance this time of year.
And yet, 62% say that they are not paying any more attention to these risks.
Whether hosting or attending a holiday party, Americans should be vigilant in protecting themselves—or their friends—against some ugly holiday accidents. Click through the following slides to find out more about the holiday season’s biggest risks.
Hazards for the Hosts
Holiday party hosts should be aware that the likelihood of theft increases over the holidays, and it is wise to protect against the unfortunate disappearance of valuable possessions.
During the holiday season, 17% of Americans say they’ve experienced a stolen or missing valuable when attending a holiday party. The survey reveals that just one in five party hosts would put away valuables before hosting a party, and nearly half have left a door unlocked for a friend or family member this season. Forty-six percent say they have hidden a key to their home for a friend or family member staying in their home, despite the fact that hiding keys leaves a home prone to burglaries.
And while holiday-partygoers should be diligent about keeping their homes safe, many forget about their vehicles. Nearly half of survey respondents claim that they’ve hidden valuables, such as holiday gifts, in their car. But leaving valuables in the car can also create an enticing opportunity for thieves to break-in.
Hasty Hors d’oeuvres
Holiday parties are all about the food. Holiday hams, decadent desserts, dips, and plenty of charcuterie trays take center stage at party buffets. And while hosts prepare elaborate spreads for their guests, it is incredibly important to remain diligent in the kitchen—as well as after dishes are served—to prevent mishaps.
Eighty-seven percent of holiday party hosts plan to do “lots of cooking” to prepare for their holiday gatherings, according to the survey, but nearly half of respondents claim having left a stove unmanned or an oven unattended during the holiday season.
Another 44% of Americans do not keep fire extinguishers in their home in the event of a fire, and more than a quarter of respondents have attended a party that resulted in a burnt or ruined meal.
Furthermore, hosts should also be diligent about cross-contamination and food poisoning risks when serving food to their guests. While hosts may spend hours preparing a delicious holiday meal, it can quickly be ruined if the food becomes spoiled. Staying aware of the temperatures of the foods and dips at a holiday buffet spread, washing foods properly, and making sure that cross-contamination does not occur during food preparations can help make the holiday party happy and healthy this year.
Horrors of Home Décor
Deck the halls with boughs of holly—safely! While hosting a holiday party comes with making the home festive, taking the proper precautions while doing so can help hosts avoid costly and dangerous outcomes.
The survey results show that one-third of Americans light candles for a holiday party, and one in five will have a fire roaring in the fireplace. But despite the ambiance hosts try to create with a little mood lighting and the warmth of a fire in the hearth, more than half say they have not checked or changed their smoke detectors recently. Unchecked smoke detectors can cause people to miss important alarms when a fire breaks out in a home, quickly turning a holiday party into a holiday disaster.
But the risks don’t just end with traditional wood fireplaces. According to the survey, 44% of Americans with gas fireplaces have not had their fireplace inspected within the last three years. Faulty gas lines and fireplace build-up can cause damages, but often go overlooked.
Furthermore, approximately a third of respondents claim that they’ve left candles unattended. Seventeen percent claim they’ve also let fires go unattended at holiday parties.
But fires can also occur from electrical malfunctions. Decorative holiday lights often accompany the holiday season, but 43% of Americans admit to plugging in too many lights into one outlet, which can also cause damages.
Allstate data indicates fires due to candles, fireplaces and electrical mishaps are often significant losses. The median costs of candle and fireplace claims can be around $9,000, according to survey results. But the median cost of an electrical claim is double—around $18,000.
Helpful Hints:
While many risks come with hosting holiday parties, Allstate recognizes that planning and precautions taken in advance can help protect a host’s home during the holidays, keeping them hazard-free.
Before the holidays, Allstate recommends installing new batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Furthermore, family members should know where they could locate a fire extinguisher in the home, and everyone should be prepared to operate one. Testing fire prevention devices to make sure they function properly can also help hosts avoid disasters.
Furthermore, those decorating for the holidays should never leave candles or fires unattended, and always make sure that candles are out of the reach of children. As with anyone who burns candles frequently, hosts should make it a part of their routine to make sure that all candles are extinguished before going to bed.
The Christmas tree is another area which homeowners should take caution. If buying a natural tree, homeowners should make sure it is fresh to lessen the risk of it becoming a fire hazard. At the same time, artificial trees should be labeled as fire resistant.
When setting up the tree, homeowners should be sure that it is kept away from heat sources, and the trees should be trimmed with fire-resistant materials. It may seem obvious, but never, ever use lit candles to decorate Christmas trees.
The report also suggests checking holiday lights, and throwing away any that are broken. Similarly, homeowners should ensure that they do not overload their outlets. For decorating the exterior of the home, only lights and extension cords specified for outdoor use should be used.
When it comes to holiday theft, Allstate recommends that when shopping, consumers should not leave their purchases in the passenger compartment of an unattended vehicle. In order to prevent break-ins, packages, presents, and valuables should be stored out of sight, preferably in the trunk of the car.
In plain view, gifts and valuables serve as an invitation for thieves. Even once gifts are brought inside, homeowners should close the shades or drapes if heading out of the home, and when hosting a holiday party, these gifts should be put away safely.
One thing homeowners may forget about is social media. Allstate recommends that shoppers don’t advertise their shopping trips or gift purchases on social media. Whether it is checking into a store or using a geo-location services, travel plan updates, or even uploading photos while at a holiday party, people who publicize their whereabouts and activities on social media can unknowingly give today’s “digital thieves” insights into the contents of your trunk, the times you’re away from home and the gifts hidden in your closet.
No matter how good the deals are that consumers find this holiday season, avoid publicizing purchases on social media.
