FOR RELEASE:  November 23, 1999

INSURANCE INDUSTRY OFFERS HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS

COLUMBUS-The holidays season is upon us.  Between Thanksgiving and New Years, work deadlines are compounded by special holiday activities including hours of shopping, parties and extended family visits.  Without realizing it, the demands of the season can make us prime candidates for all types of accidents and mishaps.

"Safety is one of the last things on our minds at this time of year," said Daniel J. Kelso, president of the Ohio Insurance Institute (OII).  "But because of the abundance of distractions, paying special attention to safety issues, especially when shopping, becomes as important as choosing the right gift."

"Unfortunately, there are those who prey on the overly distracted shopper," said Kelso.  "Although it's one more thing to think about, in reality the holidays present a set of safety concerns different from any other time of the year."

For example, the holidays often include one of our first bouts with severe winter weather.  It takes a time or two on snow or ice-covered roads to become reacquainted with winter weather driving, including safe braking distances.  Holiday shopping means that we are apt to carry more cash and possibly become careless with packages, credit cards and receipts.  And "decking the halls" can lead to home fires when safety is not part of home decorating plans.

The OII offers its annual list of tips for a safe and happy holiday season:

Special Home Safety Tips for Holiday Decorations

	Live Christmas trees become available Thanksgiving week and remain up, in some cases, for more than a month.  Between 1993-1997, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that trees were the items first ignited in about 440 home fires, resulting in 14 deaths, 79 injuries and $18.5 million in damages on average annually.  Check a tree for freshness by pulling on its needles.  Water it daily and make sure the tree stand is a sturdy one.  Use only indoor lights on the tree and keep it away from heat sources and exits.  Discard the tree when needles start to fall off.  Store it away from your home until you can dispose of it properly.
	Keep plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe, Japanese yew and holly away from pets and children.  Although beautiful to look at, they can be lethal if ingested.
	Check labels on artificial trees to make sure they're flame-retardant.
	Keep candles away from flammable materials and avoid placing them in drafty areas or in reach of children or pets.  The NFPA reports that December was the leading month for home candle fires between 1993-1997, with twice the number of incidents occurring.  In 1997, nearly 8,700 home fires were started by candles causing $171 million in property damage.  Extinguish all flames and turn off holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.
	Use only safety-lab approved (UL listings) indoor and outdoor lights.  Check lights for wear, loose connections and burned out bulbs before using them each year.  Frayed, cracked or damaged cords should be discarded.
	Never use indoor lights outside and take precautions not to overload electrical outlets or extension cords.  Avoid running extension cords across lawns, driveways or heavy traffic areas in the home.  Keep extension cords away from furniture legs where they can be pinched and avoid running them under carpets.

Tips Regarding Holiday Gifts and Packages

	If you plan to be away, make arrangements for someone to check your home daily for deliveries since they tend to increase during this period.
	Lock valuables and purchases in your trunk.  Exposing them in the front or back seat can invite a vehicle break-in.  According to the FBI Uniform Crime Report, about 192,000 motor vehicle thefts occurred in November and December, 1998.
	Should your shopping list include expensive jewelry or fine arts purchases, contact your insurance agent or company representative to see if adequate coverage is provided or if a low-cost policy endorsement is needed to protect against loss or theft.  Too often it's assumed that such purchases are fully covered under homeowners or renters insurance.  Standard policies usually provide limited coverage.
	When buying toys, clothes or bedding for children, check labels for nonflammable materials.  Avoid toys and clothing items with long straps or strings that can tangle around an infant.  Check toys for removable parts and sharp objects, making sure they are sturdily constructed.

Tips for Safe Shopping

	Internet shopping is extremely popular, but isn't 100 percent foolproof from a safety standpoint.  Expert hackers have been known to access credit card numbers over the internet.  Consider using a company's toll-free phone number when placing an order if you feel uncomfortable using credit cards over the net.
	Don't flash cash or credit cards in public, and carry only what you need.  Store receipts should be kept in a wallet or purse.  Receipts left in shopping bags often have credit card numbers on them.  Just as much damage can be done by thieves with access to your credit card number as having the actual card in hand.
	Keep the number of shopping bags in tow to a minimum by consolidating them.  Make frequent stops at your car or rent a locker at the mall to minimize package handling.
	Keep purses and wallets secure.  Never leave them unattended in a cart or on a counter.  Consider using a "fanny pack" instead of a purse, which allows your hands to remain free.  Back packs are easy prey for pickpockets and not recommended for storing cash or other valuables, especially in a crowded mall.
	Park in well-lighted areas, even if it means walking a few extra steps.  When returning, have your keys ready and use the buddy system when possible.   If you're uncomfortable walking to your car after dark, check with mall security.  Some provide a valet parking service or will accompany you to your car.

Tips for a Safe Party

	Choose a designated driver or rely on alternative transportation such as a taxi or limousine service.  Statistics show that alcohol plays a part in over half of all holiday traffic deaths.
	If consuming alcohol, slow absorption by eating plenty of protein-rich foods such as meats and cheeses.  Try interspersing nonalcoholic drinks into your holiday celebrations, such as soda water and flavored coffees.
	Empty ashtrays often, wetting their contents before dumping.  Check seat cushions and furniture after entertaining as a safeguard against smoldering cigarettes.
	Although the intentions are well-meaning, it's not always good to share festive foods with pets.  Veterinarians see more cases of stomach ailments during the holidays because pets are fed table scraps they're not used to digesting.

The Ohio Insurance Institute is a trade and public information association representing insurance companies and agent groups for the property/casualty insurance industry.  A primary objective of the OII is to help Ohioans achieve a better understanding of insurance and related safety issues.

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