Taken From: National Fire Protection Association
Written By: John Hall
“The winter holiday season should be a joyous time of year. However, certain types of fires and injuries associated with holiday decorating are much more common during this season.
Christmas tree fires
In 2006-2010, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 230 home structure fires that began with Christmas trees. Home Christmas tree fires caused an average of four civilian deaths, 21 civilian injuries, and $17.3 million in direct property damage per year.
Although these fires are not common, when they do occur, they are unusually likely to be serious. On average, one of every 66 reported home structure Christmas tree fires resulted in a death compared to an average of one death per 144 total reported home structure fires.
Nearly half of the home Christmas tree structure fires were in December and one-third were in January. Fifty percent of home Christmas tree structure fires occurred on the 15 days from December 22 through January 5.
Electrical failures or malfunctions were involved in one-third (31%) of the home Christmas tree structure fires. Nearly one in five (18%) occurred because some type of heat source was too close to the tree. Decorative lights on line voltage were involved in 14% of these incidents. Nine percent of home Christmas tree fires were started by candles.
Nineteen percent of home Christmas tree structure fires were intentionally set. Nearly three-fourths (72%) of the intentional Christmas tree fires occurred in the 15 days after Christmas and may have been related to disposal.
The risk of fire is higher with natural trees than artificial ones. Researchers found that dry natural trees burned easily but trees that had been kept moist are unlikely to catch fire unintentionally.
Fires involving holiday lights or other decorative lighting with line voltage
Holiday lights and other decorative lighting with line voltage were involved in an estimated average of 160 home structure fires per year in this same period. These fires caused an average of nine civilian deaths, 13 civilian injuries, and $9.0 million in direct property damage per year. Almost half (45%) occurred in December and 12% were in January. Seventeen percent of these fires began with Christmas trees. Electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in two-thirds (69%) of the fires involving holiday or decorative lights.
Falls related to holiday decorating
In a study of fall-related injuries during the holiday season, Stevens and Vajani estimated that an annual average of roughly 5,800 fall injuries related to holiday decorating were treated at hospital emergency rooms between November 1 and January 31 in 2000-2001, 2001-2002, and 2002-2003. Sixty-two percent of those injured were between 20 and 49 years of age, compared to 43% of the population in this age group. With 43% of the injuries resulting from falls from ladders and 13% caused by falls from the roof, it appears that the majority of these falls occurred during outdoor decorating. Falls from furniture, typically inside the structure, accounted for 11% of the injuries. Some falls occurred when people tripped over or slipped on tree skirts or other decorations.”
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Make sure your Homeowners Insurance policy is up-to-date. Simply contact the professionals at Scurich Insurance Services located in Watsonville, California today at 800-320-3666 for a free evaluation of your current Homeowners Insurance Policy.
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Taken from: About.com
By Charles Montaldo
“Shopping during the holiday season can present unique danger. Taking a few prevention measures can help keep your holiday season joyous.
The holiday season is a time when busy people can become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. The following tips from the Los Angeles Police
Department Crime Prevention Section can help you be more careful, prepared and aware during the holiday season.
- Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
- Dress casually and comfortably.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
- Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
- Always carry your driver’s license or identification along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
- Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
- Keep cash in your front pocket.
- Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
- Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
- Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
- Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
- Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, con-artists may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.”
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For a free insurance quote contact Scurich Insurance Services located in Watsonville, California today at 800-320-3666, or fill out one of our quote request forms located on our Products and Services page.
Scurich Insurance Services did not originally write this content
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Our Happy Customer program is specially designed to capture your feedback and opinion. If you would also like to share your experience with Scurich Insurance Services, please do participate in Happy Customer. We would love to hear from you!
Here are a few testimonials from some of our Happiest Customers!
| sharon j. watsonville, CA |
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| We have been with Scurich Insurance for over twenty years and have always been extremely satisfied with the services they provide our company. No high pressure sales pitch, just professionals who work with us to find the right policies to fit our business needs. The entire staff makes us feel as if we are their most important client. A rarity in today’s business climate. |
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All of our agents at Scurich Insurance Services will answer any questions that you may have regarding your insurance policy with us. We would like to invite you to take our Happy Customer Survey and tell us why you are a Happy Customer of ours and we would like to invite you to connect with us on Facebook.
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Purchasing car insurance is a very important thing. It is, in fact, essential if you own a car. In some states, you may be disallowed from driving your car around or be forced to pay high fines if you are caught by the police for any reason. But insurance, any kind of insurance, is something that most people dread or dislike because of the costs attached.
In either case, Scurich Insurance Services is ready to be your auto insurance agency of choice in California. Because we’re an independent agency, we work with top rated carriers that will provide you with the best protection at the best price for your specific needs.
Finding the best auto insurance coverage for you and your budget can be a daunting task. We are here to answer your questions and give you the information you need to make an informed decision. After all, your insurance agent should be working for you, not themselves or their company. That’s why you stand to get the best direction by using an agent who can help you choose the right company for you. Whatever questions you may have, feel free to contact us today!
For a free insurance quote contact Scurich Insurance Services located in Watsonville, California today at 800-320-3666 or fill out one of our quote request form provided below.
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Its Friday and Scurich Insurance Services would like to help you unwind for the weekend with this weeks joke of the week.
An Illinois man left the snow-filled streets of Chicago for a vacation in Florida. His wife was on a business trip and was planning to meet him there the next day. When he reached his hotel he decided to send his wife a quick email. Unfortunately, when typing her address, he missed one letter, and his note was directed instead to an elderly preacher’s wife whose husband had passed away only the day before. When the grieving widow checked her email, she took one look at the monitor, let out a piercing scream, and fell to the floor in a dead faint. At the sound, her family rushed into the room and saw this note on the screen:
Dearest Wife,
Just got checked in. Everything prepared for your arrival tomorrow. P.S. Sure is hot down here.
For information about Commercial Insurance or Personal Insurance simply contact Scurich Insurance Services located in Watsonville, California today at 800-320-3666.
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Winter can be a beautiful time of year. However, it can also make driving extremely dangerous. Because of this we at Scurich Insurance Services located in Watsonville, California have a few tips to help you get to your destination this winter holiday season.
- Before leaving check you brakes, windshield wipers, exhaust systems and heater/forester to makes sure they are in good working condition
- Check your radiator fluid level and add antifreeze/coolant as needed
- Check and see if your wiper blades should be replaced / adding a winter formula windshield wiper fluid will help deice your windshield
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated and that the tread is in good condition
When you take the time to winterize your car, you become more comfortable driving in cold, snowy climates. A short commute can quickly become a difficult task when your vehicle isn’t equipped to handle snow and ice. By planning ahead, and winterizing your vehicle you can prepared for whatever situation you may encounter.
Now is also a good time to review all your current Personal Auto Insurance policy to see if they meet your needs and provide the protection you need this winter season. At Scurich Insurance Services, we take care of the details that make a difference. Contact us today at 800-320-3666! Then you can relax in front of the fire and enjoy all the wonder the colder months have to offer.
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