The holidays can absolutely be a fun time of year: festive celebrations, catching up with friends and family, countless markets, events, and hot cocoa - what isn’t there to love?
This year, as many folks return to in-person events after almost two years of social distancing, you should be aware of some hidden dangers related to the holidays that can pose a hazard to your health and safety. And while accidental death insurance coverage can be a crucial piece of financial planning, the goal is not to have to use it, after all.
Below are four tips to keep in mind to help ensure a safe holiday season and to start off next year in one piece and on the right foot.
Every year, Christmas tree fires are reported in homes that have live trees. While it may not seem obvious, Christmas trees are powerful fuel sources, especially when dry.
A fireplace, candles or a heater, can quickly cause your tree to ignite. A tree that is dry is more prone to catching fire.
To help ensure your home remains Christmas tree fire-free, select a tree with fresh, green needles, water it daily, and keep ignition sources away from your tree.
For many, this may be the first holiday season spent in-person since 2019. Now coming up to almost two years, COVID-19 isn’t new news at this point. Many people find themselves dealing with pandemic fatigue and have grown laxer with social distancing.
Per a recent study done by Leger, nearly half of Canadians are now ready to forego social distancing at social events. Additionally, 49% of Canadians confessed they were not afraid of catching the virus.
While vaccination has brought protection and peace of mind - and with it, perhaps, complacency - it’s important to continue to take precautions against COVID-19.
Do keep in mind new virus variants are being discovered, continually rising cases, and the old, young, and immune-compromised around us. Social distancing, mask-wearing, and frequent hand washing/sanitizing are still a part of the daily actions we should be taking in order to do our part in minimizing the spread of COVID-19.
As we listen to catchy (if not repetitive) jingles of “Let It Snow,” be mindful of the potential dangers that the snow, ice, and slush bring with it.
Do:
Slipping and falling isn’t just limited to the outdoors. Be aware of potentially slippery surfaces due to tracked-in slush and mud in indoor public places such as the mall or grocery store - those tiles can be deceptively slippery.
Like slip and falls, motor vehicle accidents also increase every winter as a result of the icy, slippery weather.
Do:
Though it hardly needs saying, driving with caution is key when navigating through the icy, slippery Canadian winter roads - for your safety, your passengers, pedestrians, and for others on the road.
While safety tips may understandably not be the most exciting of topics to think about over the holidays, keep these tips in mind the next time you put up that Christmas tree, have an in-person gathering, or go out to walk or drive outside.
Even with the best of intentions, accidents do happen. That’s why Specialty Life Insurance is committed to adding additional protection for Canadians should the unforeseen happen. We work tirelessly with providers to bring you some of the best, most competitive quotes for Final Expense, Critical Illness, and Accidental Death plans on the Canadian market.
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