AUTO CLUB OFFERS TIPS FOR SAFER HOLIDAY TAKE STEPS TO PREVENT BURGLARIES AND TREE FIRES.

Byline: Daily News

LANCASTER - Holiday cheer can quickly turn into misery if precautions aren't taken to protect homes against burglary or fire, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.

``Claims filed from burglary losses increase during the holiday season because thieves know people are out shopping and bringing home valuable merchandise for gifts. They're easy targets,'' said David Crandall, the Auto Club's Lancaster district office manager. ``Also, potential indoor fire hazards increase during this time. Christmas trees, lights, decorations, candles, fireplaces and space heaters can be dangerous if they are not used with care and caution.''

Crandall offers the following tips to help keep your home safe from burglaries during the holidays:

--Double-check all door and window locks, and invest in slide lock protection for sliding glass doors, a frequent point of entry for burglars. Garage windows and doors should also be secured. Install deadbolt locks and alarm systems, which may qualify for homeowner's insurance discounts.

--Install timers that turn lights on automatically after dark when no one is home.

--If you will be away for the holidays, stop your mail and newspaper delivery or have a trusted friend retrieve them daily so the house does not look vacant.

--Don't keep packages and wrapped gifts in easy view of outsiders, and when you're out shopping, put packages in the trunk as soon as you get them so they won't be visible to thieves. At home, move expensive items such as electronic equipment away from windows where they are easily visible.

--Don't keep receipts with packages - store them in a separate place. Receipts, which are the best form of documentation, may be needed as proof of ownership if a claim is filed.

--Engrave your name on your large valuables. It makes them less attractive to burglars and also assists with quicker identification if they are stolen and recovered.

--Make certain your homeowner's insurance is paid and the policy suits your current needs.

If you rent, make sure you have renter's insurance protection for your personal property.

--Be prepared in advance in case you do have to file a claim. Inventory, photograph or videotape your home's contents. Keep photos or videotape in a heat-resistant safe or a safety deposit box, along with your homeowner's insurance policy.

The Auto Club recommends taking the following precautions to protect against seasonal fire hazards:

--Make sure your Christmas tree is moist - don't keep it inside the house if it's dry and brittle. Keep the tree away from heaters, heating vents, fireplaces, candles and other sources of heat.

--Lights used to decorate trees or homes should be replaced if cords are worn or frayed. Avoid plugging too many cords into one socket. Plug tree and outdoor lights into a power strip to help prevent an electrical surge.

--Fireplaces should be cleaned and vents opened before lighting a fire. Check masonry for cracks and have them repaired before using the fireplace. Know how to properly use a gas fireplace before lighting it. Have your fireplace checked by a chimney sweep after each season of use.

--Install and regularly check smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. They offer protection against fire and might qualify for a discount on homeowner's insurance.