As the December chill sets in and San Franciscans brace for a notably festive and frosty holiday season, there's a spike in concern for safety within those four walls where meals are shared and stockings hung with care. Harkening to these concerns, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey has stepped forward with a sleigh full of advice to ensure the comfort and security of our domestic yuletide revelries.
Commissioner Causey, cognizant of the increased risks that come with the season's traditions, has stressed the importance of safety first in a home adorned with the warm glow of candles and the inviting crackle of a hearth's fire. "The holiday season is a joyous time to enjoy festive meals with family and friends and deck the halls with beautiful Christmas decorations," Causey said. "But it’s important to stay safe at all times at home and while driving to avoid potentially dangerous accidents," as reported by the North Carolina Department of Insurance.
Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association illuminate a grim reality: one-third of home decoration fires are ignited by candles, with a risky juxtaposition of decor and heat sources to blame in too many instances. To eschew these fire hazards, Commissioner Causey's tips range from the practical use of flameless candles, to the essential practice of keeping potentially fiery combinations—such as Christmas trees next to an open fire—a diligent distance apart.
In the spirit of prevention, Causey also reminds us of the hazards lurking on ice-slicked roads and fog-obscured highways. "Most traffic accidents occur between the afternoon of Christmas Eve and the evening of Christmas Day," as per the findings of the American Safety Council. These accidents see a dip in frequency when Christmas lands on a weekday, as will happen this year. Causey advises to drive slow, extend your vehicle's following distance, and always, buckle up, detailed by the North Carolina Department of Insurance.
As the days count down to merriment and memory-making, it is incumbent upon us all to heed the Commissioner's call. By adopting simple safety measures at home and on the road, we gift our loved ones the greatest present of all: peace of mind. And as we navigate the bustling streets and deck our halls with boughs of holly, let us remember to enjoy this season responsibly, ensuring a safe and happy holiday for all.
