Suggestions from the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the National Fire Protection Association
Holiday decorating:
- Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
- Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
- Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor
or outdoor use, but not both.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more
than three strands of mini light sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.
- Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
- Keep decorations away from windows and doors.
Holiday Entertaining:
- Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
- Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
- Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stove top.
- Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young
children do not touch them.
- Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.
Before Going to Bed:
- Blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
Tips for Wrapping Up the Holidays Safely from the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI)
“Holiday decorations are meant for temporary use,” says ESFI president Brett Brenner. “Keeping your decorations up for extended periods leaves wires unnecessarily exposed to the elements, which can decrease the product’s shelf life and increase the risk of electrical hazards, such as fire, shock, and electrocution.”
ESFI offers the following suggestions for wrapping up after the holidays and ensuring that decorations are removed and stored properly so that they will be safe for use next year:
- Look for and discard broken or faulty lights.
- Ensure that electrical cords are in good condition, and wire insulation is not frayed or cracked.
- Separate and label indoor and outdoor decorations.
- Inspect ladders for loose or missing screws, hinges, bolts, and nuts.
- Avoid yanking or tugging on electrical cords when unplugging them to prevent damage to the cord.
- Store decorations away from children, pets, and water.
- Send warranty and product registration forms to manufacturers in order to be notified promptly in the event
of a product recall.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Changes to mortgage interest deduction would hurt economy
December 1, 2010
Changes to mortgage interest deduction would hurt economy, prolong housing downturn, C.A.R. says
LOS ANGELES (Dec. 1) – In response to recommendations in the Deficit Reduction Commission report released today, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) said it strongly opposes any changes that would modify or reduce the mortgage interest deduction.
“Few issues are more important to homeownership than the mortgage interest deduction (MID),” said C.A.R. President Beth L. Peerce. “As the housing market continues to recover from the worst financial crisis in recent history, any change that reduces the ability of the market to heal is misguided and must be rejected,” said Peerce.
According to a recent survey commissioned by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR), nearly 75 percent of homeowners and more than half of renters surveyed said the MID was “extremely” or “very important” to them. The proposal from the Deficit Reduction Commission will negatively impact the housing market, further erode opportunities for homeownership across the country, and will contribute to further price declines and diminished equity for homeowners by as much as 15 percent.
C.A.R. and NAR will remain vigilant in opposing any plan that modifies or excludes the deductibility of mortgage interest and make certain that the real estate industry’s opposition to this proposal is heard and its far-reaching implications understood.
Mortgage Interest Deduction Background
• The MID has been part of the federal tax code since it was first enacted in 1913.
• People with both low and middle incomes use the MID. According the most recent IRS tax return data available, 63 percent of the families who claim the MID earn between $50,000 and $200,000 per year.
• While in any particular year only about one-third of taxpayers itemize, of the taxpayers who itemize deductions, more than 81 percent take the MID.
• Current law permits deductions of the interest paid on mortgage debt of up to $1 million on a primary residence and one additional residence. In addition, the interest paid on home equity loans of up to $100,000 may be deducted.
Leading the way...® in California real estate for more than 100 years, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (www.car.org) is one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States, with more than 160,000 members dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. C.A.R. is headquartered in Los Angeles.
Changes to mortgage interest deduction would hurt economy, prolong housing downturn, C.A.R. says
LOS ANGELES (Dec. 1) – In response to recommendations in the Deficit Reduction Commission report released today, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) said it strongly opposes any changes that would modify or reduce the mortgage interest deduction.
“Few issues are more important to homeownership than the mortgage interest deduction (MID),” said C.A.R. President Beth L. Peerce. “As the housing market continues to recover from the worst financial crisis in recent history, any change that reduces the ability of the market to heal is misguided and must be rejected,” said Peerce.
According to a recent survey commissioned by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR), nearly 75 percent of homeowners and more than half of renters surveyed said the MID was “extremely” or “very important” to them. The proposal from the Deficit Reduction Commission will negatively impact the housing market, further erode opportunities for homeownership across the country, and will contribute to further price declines and diminished equity for homeowners by as much as 15 percent.
C.A.R. and NAR will remain vigilant in opposing any plan that modifies or excludes the deductibility of mortgage interest and make certain that the real estate industry’s opposition to this proposal is heard and its far-reaching implications understood.
Mortgage Interest Deduction Background
• The MID has been part of the federal tax code since it was first enacted in 1913.
• People with both low and middle incomes use the MID. According the most recent IRS tax return data available, 63 percent of the families who claim the MID earn between $50,000 and $200,000 per year.
• While in any particular year only about one-third of taxpayers itemize, of the taxpayers who itemize deductions, more than 81 percent take the MID.
• Current law permits deductions of the interest paid on mortgage debt of up to $1 million on a primary residence and one additional residence. In addition, the interest paid on home equity loans of up to $100,000 may be deducted.
Leading the way...® in California real estate for more than 100 years, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (www.car.org) is one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States, with more than 160,000 members dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. C.A.R. is headquartered in Los Angeles.
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