Lifestyle
Mercury Insurance Offers Steps to Protect Your Home Against Holiday Lights & Fire Hazards
Holiday decorations bring warmth, color and celebration into the home — but behind the glow of lights and decorated trees are safety risks many homeowners don't think about until it's too late. To help homeowners celebrate safely, Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is sharing a list of practical tips to reduce common decorating risks during the holiday season.
About this update from Mercury General Corporation
[{"type":"text","content":"Preventing Holiday Home Fires Starts with Simple Safety Checks","length":62,"tagName":"p","attribs":{}},{"type":"text","content":"LOS ANGELES, Dec. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Holiday decorations bring warmth, color and celebration into the home — but behind the glow of lights and decorated trees are safety risks many homeowners don't think about until it's too late. To help homeowners celebrate safely, Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is sharing a list of practical tips to reduce common decorating risks during the holiday season.","length":413,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated 160 home fires each year specifically due to Christmas trees. Most of these fires are caused by electrical problems or a heat source being too close. In addition, nearly 900 home fires are caused by holiday decorations each year.","length":337,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":""Taking a few important precautions throughout the holiday season will greatly lower your decoration-related fire risks," said Bonnie Lee, VP of Homeowners Claims for Mercury Insurance. "Ensure that your tree does not get too dry if it's live, and avoid placing any tree too close to your fireplace or heater. Furthermore, checking for damaged cords, using the right equipment and unplugging décor when you're not home are simple steps that can prevent a disaster."","length":493,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"The following are some additional tips from Mercury pertaining to interior and fire safety:","length":91,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"list","items":[{"val":[{"type":"text","content":"Check all smoke alarm & carbon monoxide detectors: Test batteries and ensure these systems are in working order ahead of the holiday season.","length":144,"tagName":"p"}]},{"val":[{"type":"text","content":"Exercise candle safety: Keep candles away from trees, wrapping paper and flammable items. For a safer décor option, use LED candles.","length":132,"tagName":"p"}]},{"val":[{"type":"text","content":"Unplug electronics or use timers: Unplug small appliances and holiday lights before going to bed or going on a trip to prevent surges or fires. If possible, use automatic timers to turn off holiday lighting while you sleep or are away, reducin...