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Deck the Halls with Safety: Avoid house fires from holiday decorations
Six crucial tips to keep you, your family, and your home safe. December 13, 2021 11:11 AM Posted: December 13, 2021 11:11 AM Updated: December 13, 2021 11:15 AM KENNEWICK, Wash. — December, January, and February are the most dangerous months for home fires as they occur more in winter than any other season, according to a Facebook post from the Walla Walla Fire Department. The U.S. Fire Administration said that cooking is the leading cause all year round, but during the winter season holiday decorations are also to blame. Nearly one in five Christmas tree fires were started by decorative lights, according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In…
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How Christmas decorations cause house fires: What to know
Between 2015 and 2019, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 790 home fires per year that started with holiday decorations, according to a report from the National Fire Protection Association, a leading fire resource. Fires caused by holiday decorations, excluding Christmas trees, resulted in an annual average of one death, 26 fire injuries and $13 million in direct property damage. More than two of every five decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source, according to the report. The most common cause of holiday decoration fires: candles. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, December is the peak month for…
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Holiday decorations and tabletop trees
Is the thought of putting up a giant Christmas tree daunting? Are there more tasks in the day than hours? Are you and the family traveling for the holidays after spending the last months distancing? If any of these are true, then the thought of a Christmas tree and whole-home decorations for whatever winter holiday celebration works for you might be more than you want to handle. I love Christmas trees and all sorts of holiday decorations, but oh, the work! It is a trend to reduce the size, kind and amount of decorating down for the holidays. There are many reasons to avoid a big fuss, including allergies, cats…
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GARDEN COLUMN: Seasonal decorations | Home & Garden
KATE COPSEY T&D Garden Columnist The weather has turned seasonably cold with the first frost being seen by most of us. For most of the holiday season, our thoughts tend to be inside with family and indoor plants, some of which are popular as part of our seasonal decorations. Poinsettias, cacti and amaryllis are just some of the plants that we find in the stores right now. Poinsettias: The traditional Christmas poinsettia has been popular for decades with the bright red leaves still being the most popular color with shoppers. New colors such as variegated leaves or light-colored leaves dyed blue were a fad a few years ago and can…
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First lady Jill Biden unveils her first White House holiday decorations
East Wing communications director Elizabeth Alexander told CNN the idea for Biden’s theme was to showcase “things that unite and heal, and bring us together.” Biden and the East Wing began planning for the holiday decorations in early summer, narrowing the ideas and beginning to visualize how it would come to fruition. In each of the public rooms of the White House — which remains closed to visitors due to the Covid-19 pandemic — there is an individual representation of the theme. The Library Room, with decorations of butterflies, reflects the “gift of learning,” while the Vermeil Room notes the “gift of the visual arts” with Christmas wreaths made of…
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Christmas decor shopping guide: How to find the right decorations for you | Home & Garden
Here are four tips for avoiding the hazards of holiday decorating. Even though Christmas has been celebrated for centuries, you’re not restricted to decorating in the classic style — unless that’s the style you prefer. You could use modern Christmas home decor with sleek, clean lines and a pared-down design. Rustic is another option; think simple, distressed pieces in soft, neutral colors. A quirky design scheme uses memorable items that have a unique flair, and a humorous style incorporates funny elements into the decor scheme. If you have children, you might want to tailor your Christmas home decor to them, making…
