Are the stockings all hung by the chimney with care?

Allstate Insurance Co. says Arizona’s top three most common holiday-related claims are:

• Burglary
• Theft from a locked vehicle
• Electrical fire/shortage

The Arizona office offers some handy hints to help keep your gifts under the tree, not in the hands of criminals, and keep your days merry and bright:

Holiday cooking

• Install new batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Make sure that family members can locate and operate fire extinguishers.
• Test all fire prevention devices to make sure they function properly.
• Be careful in the kitchen. The incorrect disposal of cooking grease, overuse of garbage disposals and improper or excessive disposal of waste can result in clogged drains and can cause sewer problems during this time of year.

Holiday decorating

• Never leave burning candles unattended, and always place them out of reach of children.
• Make it a part of your routine to check that all candles are extinguished before you go to bed each night.
• Make a smart tree purchase. If buying a natural tree, make sure it’s fresh so it will be less of a fire hazard.
• Artificial trees should be labeled as fire resistant. Keep your tree away from heat sources, and trim trees with flame‐resistant materials.
• Never use lit candles to decorate trees.
• Check your holiday lights, throwing away any that are broken and don’t overload the outlets. Only lights and extension cords specified for outdoor use should be used outside.

Holiday security

• When shopping, don’t leave purchases in the passenger compartment of your unattended vehicle. Store them out of sight, in the trunk.
• When in plain view, gifts and valuables serve as an invitation to thieves. Close the shades or drapes if you’re away. And put your valuables away before hosting people at your home.
• Don’t advertise shopping trips or gift purchases on social media. Whether it’s “check-ins” using geo-location services, travel plan updates, or even photos uploaded while at a holiday party, people may be unknowingly giving digital thieves greater insight into the contents of your car’s trunk, times you’re away from home and even the holiday gifts hiding in your closet.