Holiday lights and decorations are the symbols of the season. More than 86% of Americans decorate their homes for holiday celebrations. Decorations are beautiful and fun, but it is important to be careful and follow these holiday safety tips so you can enjoy the holidays with your family and not have to worry about anything else.
Holiday lights
Before you put your lights up, check all cables for fraying, cracked lines or broken sockets. These can lead to fire hazards or electrical injuries. If a set seems questionable, buy a new one — do not try to repair holiday lights yourself, and do not attach them with nails or staples, which damage the lines.
Replace burned out bulbs
Light strings have a specific voltage, and a missing bulb can send too much voltage to the others, causing them to overheat.
Consider LEDs
LEDs are far more energy efficient and cool to the touch, reducing the chance of fires or burns. They are made with epoxy lenses rather than glass, so they are much more durable.
Indoor is indoor, outdoor is outdoor
Read all instructions. Never use indoor-only lights outdoors or outdoor bulbs indoors — both are electrical and fire hazards. Do not connect more strings together than the manufacturer recommends.
Use a sturdy ladder
Do not walk on your roof or climb a tree. If your house is very tall, consider hiring a professional to hang your lights. A fall from a ladder can result in broken bones or head injuries.
Take exterior lights down within 90 days and store them properly. Wrap the strings around a stiff piece of cardboard or wood rather than letting them tangle, protect them with paper or fabric, and store them in a sturdy sealed container for next year.
Tree safety
Fresh, green trees are less likely to catch fire than dry ones, so be sure your tree is fresh and keep it well watered. If you buy an artificial tree, look for one that is fire resistant. Whether fresh or artificial, keep your tree at least 3 feet from fireplaces, heaters, radiators and other heat sources.
Decoration safety
Avoid candles wherever possible. If you must use one, never leave an open flame unattended, keep it away from flammable material, and put it out before leaving the house or going to bed. Never use candles on or near a tree.
Electric candles look almost as real, are far safer, and can be used year after year.
If you have small children or pets, use plastic ornaments instead of glass. Glass ornaments fall and shatter easily, while plastic stays solid. Place any glass ornaments or sharp objects up high, out of reach. Small items such as holly berries and wax fruit are a choking hazard for children and pets, and string lights carry a risk of strangulation. To be safe, never leave children around holiday decorations unattended.
Extension cord safety
- Examine all cords for damage. Replace any damaged cord — do not try to fix it.
- Use cords as intended. Never use an indoor cord outdoors, and even outdoor-approved cords should be kept away from snow, water and the elements.
- Do not overload extension cords or use them as a permanent solution. They are made to be used temporarily.