The holidays are about gathering, celebrating, and creating memories—not stressing over mishaps that could’ve been avoided. Whether you're decking the halls, traveling for the season, or keeping it cozy at home, here are some tips to keep things merry, bright, and, most importantly, safe.
Deck the Halls Without the Drama
Holiday décor sets the mood, but it can also bring a few hazards if you're not careful:
Tree Tips: If you’re team real tree, keep it watered. A dry tree is a fire waiting to happen, especially with those string lights wrapped around it.
Light it Right: Stick to no more than three strands of incandescent lights connected together. Need more? Use a power strip with surge protection.
Ladder Logic: When hanging lights or wreaths, follow the three-point rule—always have two feet and one hand (or two hands and one foot) in contact with the ladder. Safety first, no exceptions.
And let’s talk fire extinguishers. Make sure yours is in an easy-to-reach spot—not buried in a cabinet or tucked away in the pantry. The seconds you save could make a big difference.
Heading Out of Town? Make It Look Like You’re Home
Nothing screams "empty house" like a dark home and an overflowing mailbox. Here’s how to keep your place secure while you’re away:
Use light timers to make it look like someone’s home.
Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye out, collect packages, and drip your faucets if the temps drop.
Pause your mail or have it picked up.
Avoid oversharing on social media until you're back—your vacation can wait for the ‘gram.
Own a rental property? Make sure tenants know how to prepare if they’re leaving, and if they’re staying, remind them how to handle cold snaps or emergencies. Better yet, consider a property manager to handle these details for you. We can connect you to trusted partners who make it easy—ask us about Murphy Property Services for upgrades and management.
Holiday Pet and Kid Safety
The holidays are magical for little ones (furry and human alike), but extra decorations and gatherings can bring risks:
Keep ornaments, tinsel, and holiday plants (like poinsettias and mistletoe) out of reach. They’re irresistible to curious kids and pets, but they can be dangerous.
Make sure cords and lights are secured to prevent chewing or tripping hazards.
Skip the candles if you’re not going to be in the room—LED alternatives are festive and safe.
For pets, ensure they have a quiet, comfortable space if the festivities get overwhelming.
Prepare for Winter Weather
In New Orleans, a cold snap is rare but unpredictable. Plan ahead:
Drip faucets during freezing temps or use faucet guards to avoid costly pipe bursts.
If you’re leaving town, ask someone to check on your home or set up automatic systems to handle the chill.
For landlords, staying proactive with tenant communication can save you and them a headache.
We’re Here to Help
Whether it’s finding home, recommending trusted pros, or giving tips to keep your home running smoothly, Cool Murphy Real Estate is here for you. The holidays are stressful enough—let us take some of the weight off your shoulders.
Got questions about property management, fixes, or upgrades? Reach out today to learn more about Murphy Property Services or one of our referral partners. Let’s keep your home happy and safe this holiday season—and beyond.
Voted Neighborhood Favorite by Nextdoor, Team Cool Murphy is a top-producing, licensed real estate team based in New Orleans, brokered by Cool Murphy, LLC.
Celebrated for her next-level creative approach to real estate, Elisa Cool Murphy is an award-winning, top-performing real estate broker in New Orleans and the founder of Cool Murphy Real Estate.
Contact Her -
email: cool@coolmurphy.com
Facebook: @homeinneworleans
IG: @coolmurphynola
YouTube: @coolmurphynola
phone: 504-321-3194
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