As it gets a chillin', it's the perfect time to strike the fire,and enjoy the company of family and friends. Openingup one's home during the holiday season is a heart-warminggesture. All the excitement, however, has some hosts overlookingbasic safety issues.

According to MetLife Auto & Home's American Safety Pulse Poll, only about one-third ofpotential hosts are concerned about avoiding common safety issues,and taking precautionary steps to prevent unnecessaryaccidents.

This lack of concern is reason for big worry, considering thelast two year's claim trends during the month of December. ForMetLife Auto & Home, fire claims frequency increased by12.5 percent in December 2009 and 2010. Theft claims frequencyincreased by 7.7 percent.

“The holiday season and transition to winter in many parts ofthe country generates higher frequency [certain types ofhome-related claims] than previous months,” explains TimBowen director of homeowners' claims with Metlife Auto &Home. “We see theft frequency increases around the holidays withclaim notices indicating that gifts/recent purchases were stolen.Heating systems are also being used with greater frequency at thistime of year and we see more 'puff back' type losses with oil firedsystems.”

There are a number of everyday safety issues many tend tooverlook while planning their parties. Too Many 'Cheers'

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thereis an increase in alcohol-related car crashes and fatalities over the holidays.Yet, fewer than half of Americans or 42 percent are concerned thatone of their guests would be involved in a drunk-driving-relatedaccident after consuming alcohol on their property. Fifty-eightpercent of respondents to the MetLife Auto & Home survey arenot concerned about the potential to be named in a lawsuit, shoulda guest be involved in a drinking and driving accident.

Blazing Holiday Spirit

Decorating is essential to set the mood for festivities. Thisholiday season, 91 percent of people plan to decorate their homes,but many may be inadvertently exposing their home and guests to anincreased risk of fire, if they're not careful.

“Only 32 percent of those polled expressed concern that theirdecorations might pose a fire risk to their homes and to theirparty guests,” says Mike Convery, chief claim officer and vicepresident of MetLife Auto & Home. “It's important for hosts toexercise caution with their decorations, especially wax candles, asDecember has more candle-related fires than any other month of the year,according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).”

The Grinch Didn't Steal Christmas

Only one-third of those surveyed expressed concern about thetheft of their personal belongings during a party. Many areinviting family (86 percent) and closer friends (74 percent) totheir homes. Others plan on inviting less familiar guests,including neighbors (44 percent), co-workers (31 percent) andcasual acquaintances (26 percent).

Not Home for the Holidays

Many people are planning a holiday trip, instead of a party, as is the case for 65 percentof those surveyed. However, 19 percent of the respondents said theywould not lock all doors and windows before hitting the road. Only61 percent said they would leave lights on or set lights on a timersystem when they are away, potentially putting their homes at riskfor a burglary.

This is the third survey in the American Safety Pulse polls series conducted MetLife Auto &Home by ORC International. MetLife Auto & Home, a brand ofMetropolitan P&C Insurance Company and its affiliates, is oneof the nation's leading personal lines P&C insuranceproviders.

MetLife Auto & Home has compiled essential holiday partysafety information here outlining how Americans are planning for their parties andsome potential pitfalls they may face.

Source: www.metlife.com