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Holiday Decorating Safety Tips

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 DRE# ER40011786

This time of year, we see  more house fires due to Holiday decorations.   There are some tips to keep your home and family safe:

1.  If you have a live tree, keep it watered, do not let the water completely evaporate.  You can test the tree by bending the needles.   If it bends easily, and no needles are falling off, the water level is good.   Do not put any tree (live or artificial) near a fireplace or candles.

2.  If you have used multiple lights and extension cords, you should unplug them when you leave the home.     You should have no more than three lines per extension cord.

3. Ensure all light cords are in good condition - no frayed or broken parts.

4.   If using older decorations, check their labels.  Some older tinsel is lead-based.  If using angel hair, wear gloves to avoid irritation.  Avoid breathing in artificial snow.

5.  Do not use electric lights on metallic trees.

6.  When hanging stockings on the mantel, be sure to remove if you light the fireplace.

 

 

Posted by

Joan Cox
Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
House to Home, Inc.

Serving the Denver Metro area including all suburbs


Helping Buyers and Sellers achieve their real estate dreams, one house at a time!

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Comments(16)

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Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Joan Cox  These are very helpful tips and you are a very wise lady 

Dec 09, 2024 10:25 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Hannah Williams we have already seen a few house fires, so hoping this helps in some way!

Dec 09, 2024 10:41 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is timely advice to share. 

Have an outstanding week.

Happy Holidays!

Dec 09, 2024 11:23 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Excellent tips, Joan. I don't think I've seen tinsel or angel hair on trees in a long time, although growing up our trees always had tinsel on them. Of course, I'm the person who grew up with real candles on the Christmas tree till I was at least 7 years old. I've never had a metallic tree so had no idea about not using lights on them. So what does one do on metallic trees to provide light?

Dec 09, 2024 12:50 PM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thank you for these crucial safety tips, Joan Cox! Your focus on holiday decorating safety is a reminder to prioritize our loved ones and homes during this festive season.

Dec 09, 2024 01:52 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Joan- we can't be too careful!   I remember when we had a live Christmas tree. I was paranoid about leaving the lights on if we left the house or when we turned in for the night. 

Dec 09, 2024 02:54 PM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Hello Joan Cox these are very valuable list of holiday decorating safety tips.

Dec 09, 2024 02:59 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

These are all great tips! Since we get a live tree and want it to safely last through the post Christmas time, we don't cut it down until fairly close to Christmas. We have identified the tree we want though!

Dec 10, 2024 06:25 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

This makes me think of the scene in Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase. The cat gets in the tree and finds a light cord...oops.

Dec 10, 2024 06:57 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Thanks for commenting, and hope some of these tips help keep everyone safe.

Dec 10, 2024 07:50 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Nina Hollander, Broker we had tinsel growing up, but decades since I have used it.   Have no idea what metallic trees are, but it was in my home inspector's monthly newsletter.

Dec 10, 2024 07:51 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Joan Cox I remember metallic trees back in the 50's and 60's. Didn't know they made them any more.

Dec 10, 2024 11:57 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Lew, just trying to save a family's life!

Dec 10, 2024 07:52 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I always unplugged everything when I left the house, or went to bed.   Don't want something bad to happen.  Already had to watch those kitties so they didn't climb it.

Dec 10, 2024 07:53 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Thank you for stopping by John.

Dec 10, 2024 07:53 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Kat Palmiotti you do have many to choose from, and good idea to get it close to Christmas so it doesn't dry out.

Dec 10, 2024 07:54 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Yes, those kitties can be very bad, and that was a good movie.

Dec 10, 2024 07:54 AM