Long, tapered candles can sometimes be top heavy and counseling clients to melt a little wax in the holder will help keep them steady and locked in place. Of course there are rubber gaskets your clients can buy that also make sure the candle is snug in its place. Finally, have your clients make a habit of blowing out the candles before going out or going to sleep.

Related: Here's what you need to know about fire safety during the holidays

Candles aren't the only source of holiday fire hazards. Overloading electrical outlets and the use of an abundance of extension cords can also spark a blaze. Give your insurance clients these tips for preventing electrical fires:

• Don't try to bypass the capacity of an outlet by plugging power strips into power strips into the outlet. Although the circuit breakers should trip and avert the hazard, why take the chance?

• If you do use extension cords, be sure the cord doesn't get tucked under a rug or cross a highly trafficked area. Depending on the rating of the extension cord and what you have plugged into it, the cord itself can get very hot. In the wrong place, that heat can easily start a fire.

• Make sure to use only extension cords marked for "Outdoor Use" for exterior needs.

• Have a fire extinguisher — for both safety as well as policy discounts—in the kitchen. For a few dollars now, they can prevent a much more expensive loss later.

(Photo: Thinkstock)

Party hazards

What also comes with celebrations? Drinking.

Whether your clients have people over to their houses or if they go out to watch the ball drop on New Year's Eve, having a designated driver can save them from a host of trouble. That goes for your guests, too; hosts can be held liable should someone leave his or her party intoxicated and cause an accident.

With holiday parties come the potential for slips and falls, so tell clients to keep passageways clear, have enough places for people to sit, and place the food and drinks in areas to keep the traffic flowing and not bottlenecked.

I focused on this topic not to change anyone's enjoyment of the holidays but because I believe part of your job as the insurance agent is being a risk manager, too, which is often best done through increasing awareness and education. The best way you can show that you care is by making sure your clients have a happy and safe holiday season.

Related: The 3 biggest risks associated with holiday parties

And may you and yours have a happy and safe holiday season, too.

Rick Gilman, APR, CMP, is executive director of the Personal Lines Growth Alliance, a virtual association dedicated to improving the competitiveness of the independent agency distribution channel within the personal lines market. He also is president of RGG Communications, a communications and public relations consulting business specializing in mobile and emarketing solutions. He previously served as vice president of communications at ACORD. Contact him at [email protected].

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