TAMPA - We wish you health, happiness, and safety this holiday season! 

The holiday season brings so much joy to everyone. We reunite with family, share home cooked meals, and shower each other with special gifts! This 2020 holiday season will definitely be different, but we’d like to make sure you and your families are safe and covered if any hazards persist. 

The holidays can be CRAZY times! “According to a 2017 Business Insider article, for emergency rooms in New York City, doctors estimated they saw an increase in patient volume by 5-12% during the holiday season,” (Emergency Hospital Systems, “Why Emergency Rooms are Always Crowded During the Holidays”). 

People become a bit frantic around the holidays due to the hysterics of scurrying around town grabbing the last bit of gifts and groceries to make their holidays special. Have you ever noticed that there’s far more car accidents than usual during the holidays? Or that you hear an ambulance’s sirens every hour? Here are a few common car safety tips to keep in mind:

• Wear your seatbelts at all time 

• Refrain from using your phone while driving

• Obey all traffic signs and signals

• Be aware of weather conditions and follow all speed limits

• Use caution when driving at night

• Refrain from driving when you’re excessively tired or fatigued

• Refrain from driving if you’re on medication

• Don’t get behind the wheel if you’re under the influence of alcohol 

• If traveling, make sure to have your route fully mapped out with knowledge of which rest areas and gas stations to stop at. 

We love a fresh-picked holiday tree spewing that fresh aroma all throughout our homes! For those of you who purchase an artificial tree… well to each his own! Of course we know fresh trees need constant watering to stay fresh and bright. If they’re not watered, they become extremely dry and could potentially start a fire in your home.  “The fresher the tree, the less likely it will become dried out quickly, staving off the chance of ignition from bad lighting or nearby candles,” (Heacock Insurance, “Your Insurance Holiday Checklist). Always remember to water your tree every few days!

When choosing string lights to hang, whether on your tree or on your property, it’s always best to choose brands that are certified or accredited for safety. Some common accredited organizations are CSA international, UL or ELT. 

Helpful tip: Ensure that your home’s smoke alarms are fully charged and working. (It’s best to check on these every few months.)