Protect Your Apartment From Holiday Decoration Disasters

As we enter into the holiday season, many of us will be starting to decorate our apartments. Because apartments by nature are smaller, it often means that there are more opportunities for hazards than in homes where there is more space.

For that reason, it is important that we take the care needed in order to reduce the chances of an accident. Here we will take a look at some tips to protect your apartment from holiday decoration disasters.

How To Choose The Right Christmas Tree

It might be shocking to learn, but statistics show that fires in apartments that start from a Christmas tree catching fire do 5 times more damage than fires that start from other causes. This means that one of the top priorities for protecting yourself and the things in your apartment from disaster is to choose the right tree and maintain it correctly so that you prevent fires. Never plan to leave a Christmas tree up for more than 2 weeks.

It is common for some people to want to put a Christmas tree up early and to leave it up until well after the first of the year. This is a major mistake. You should never plan to have your tree up for more than a maximum of two weeks time. If the tree you're about to select loses a significant number of needles each time you shake it, then it was cut too early and has already begun to dry out. Pass on that tree and find another.

Freshly cut trees will have a significantly stronger aroma of pine than those that are less fresh. Fresh Christmas trees will also have a sticky trunk. You will need to place the tree somewhere where it is not in close proximity to heaters or fireplaces because those things will draw the moisture out of the tree and make it dry out quicker. Make sure that the water container the tree is placed in is kept filled with an adequate amount of water. In the case of a fake tree, the most important thing is that you use one that is flame retardant.

Place Decorations Throughout Your Apartment With Care

It is common to want to go all out and use every single piece of decoration that you have, but in an apartment, it's important that you take great care when displaying those decorations. Some holiday decorations are prone to burst into flames if they are in close proximity to heat sources. Other decorations, such as candles, are dangerous if they are knocked over when lit because of their flame.

If you have a fireplace and you want to place stockings above it, you need to make sure that it's done in a way that's going to reduce or eliminate the possibility of the stockings catching fire. If you're using holiday candles you should never leave them burning when you go to sleep, and you should place them strategically so that they are not in locations where they are likely to be knocked over.

Part of the holiday festivities includes putting up and enjoying your decorations. To best enjoy the season, take a little extra care when decorating. You and your family are worth the effort.