December 20, 2023

Stay Cozy This Holiday Season

As we cruise into the season, with the scent of apple pie and the twinkle of multicolored lights coming in through the window, it’s time to curl up on the couch and watch all your favorite holiday movies.

Now, we all know the drill—there’s a list, it’s being checked twice, and everyone’s rushing to tie up the loose ends of their holiday plans. You may be planning, baking, shopping, or deciding which ugly sweater to wear to your office holiday party, but needless to say, there’s a lot to focus on. Despite the craziness of the season, we have to remind each other to not lose sight of what’s most important: our safety.

Over at Waypoint, we’re pretty jazzed about making sure you can jingle all the way without a worry. So, we’ve compiled our staff’s pro tips for the holiday season. Although we can’t share the recipe for Anne’s peppermint cupcakes, we can share the recipe for a happy, safe, and peaceful holiday season.

Home Security: Your Digital Doorman

Twenty-seven percent of Canadian households have smart devices for technology in their homes. More and more people are relying on technology to provide an added layer of security for their homes, and it’s working! Even the most basic security cameras are sleek, easy to install, and even easier to monitor. You can snag one that’ll blend right in with your festive decor and keep an eye on Santa (or anyone else) coming down the chimney—or through the front door.

Online Shopping: The Safe List

  • Always ensure the website you’re shopping on has “HTTPS” in the URL. It’s like the digital seal of approval for security.
  • Be super wary of any sketchy pop-ups or emails fishing for your financial details. If it smells phishy, it probably is.
  • Check your bank statements regularly. If you don’t recognize a charge, call your bank to figure out what’s going on.

Locking It Up: Safety First

Before you snuggle in for the night or step out, do a quick patrol to ensure all potential entry points are secured. Lock your windows, lock your doors, and make sure your garage shuts all the way before you drive off. These steps are simple, but they are the most basic (and free!) ways to keep out unwanted guests this winter.

Christmas Tree Safety: Stand Firm

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that fire departments responded to an average of 160 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. To keep your festive fir from becoming a fire statistic:

  • Position it away from heat sources and ensure it’s got a solid base. Nobody wants to hear “Timber!” in the living room.
  • If it’s a live tree, keep it watered! A dry tree is like kindling for Santa’s cookies, and not in a good way.
  • Use LED lights. They’re not just energy-efficient but they also reduce the risk of fires, as they run cooler than traditional bulbs.
  • Don’t run cords behind walls or under fabric. If they overheat, they could be at risk of catching fire.

Traveling Tips: Keep It Low-Key

Posting about your holiday adventures in real-time might be tempting, but consider this: a report by the Department of Justice found that households that are vacant during the day are 1.5 times more likely to be burglarized. So:

  • Keep your travel deets off the Gram until you’re back and you know that your home is protected from bad actors.
  • Dial down those social media settings to private and spring-clean your friends list.

You can still share photos when you get back! This way, you won’t have to compete for likes with all the punctual posters.

Car Safety: Lock and Hide

When you’re out gift-grabbing, remember that an unattended vehicle is an invite to Grinches. It’s reported that over $1.7 billion worth of personal items and accessories are stolen from vehicles each year across the United States, so keep your sleigh secure and your goodies out of sight. All you have to do is throw them in the trunk and cover them with a blanket. It’s not rocket science!

Insurance Insight: Cover Your Bases

Did you know most insurance policies have limits on items such as cash and gift cards due to theft or mysterious disappearances? Check with your home insurance broker to know what your limits are and discuss ways to increase the limit if you require more coverage.

Having the right insurance is like having the right spice in your pumpkin pie—it just makes everything better. We know that insurance can be daunting, but we’re here to help! At Waypoint, we’re just as committed to keeping you safe as you are, and although it starts at home, it continues with us. Reach out to our team today to secure an insurance policy that gives you the greatest gift of all: peace.