Christmas Light Safety Tips
There are several things you need to do to ensure that your Christmas lights are safe before you hang them up.
It's a good idea to take the time to educate yourself about Christmas light safety. Holiday lights can add a festive touch to your home inside and out, as long as they are used as directed, observing all necessary safety precautions.
Unwrap Everything Before You Start Decorating
Dealing with a tangled mess of lights when you’re at the top of a ladder is a hassle and super dangerous. Untangle beforehand.
Make Sure You Have the Correct Lights
- Use as Directed - There is a big difference between indoor holiday lights and outdoor holiday lights. There are many types of twinkle lights in stores, and they’re not all meant for outdoor use or you could be decorating your house with a fire hazard. Before hanging lights, make sure that you are using the fixtures only in the environment in which they were designed to be used.
Follow the Three-Strand Rule
Never connect more than three strands end to end (it creates a fire hazard). If you’re hanging more than three strands, start back at the power source with your fourth strand.
- Choose Locations Carefully - Avoid hanging holiday lights near any item that poses a potential fire hazard, such as candles, space heaters, fireplaces, etc. Make sure bulbs aren't too close to loose paper or any other flammable materials that present a safety hazard.
- Hang Carefully - Never use tacks, staples, or nails to hang up your holiday light display. Instead, use insulated holders designed especially for this purpose.
Once the Lights are in Place
Holiday light safety doesn't end once the lights are up and ready to go.
- Select Extension Cords Wisely - There's a good chance that you are going to need extension cords to complete your holiday lighting display. Make sure you have a sufficient quantity and length of grounded extension cords for the amount of the lights you plan to use. Do not overload extension cords with more wattage than they are designed to accommodate. It's also important to verify that any extension cords you are planning to use outside are rated for exterior use.
- Place Extension Cords Properly - Make sure that cords are placed so as to avoid posing a tripping hazard. Verify that they are not pulled taut, so there isn't an elevated risk of them pulling over your Christmas tree or other decorations.
- Turn Lights Off When Away - Do not leave holiday lights on when your house is unattended or when everyone in the home is asleep. In the event that a problem develops with your light display, it's essential that someone be on hand and alert to react quickly to avoid damage, a serious fire, and injuries.
- Bulb Replacement - When bulbs burn out, it's important to replace them right away. It's dangerous to have light strings plugged in with empty sockets. Be sure that the replacement bulbs you select are the correct wattage.
Additional Tips
- Metal trees and holiday lights don't mix.- If you choose a metal Christmas tree, do not hang lights on it. There are several risks associated with metal lights and trees, including a high likelihood of fire and electric shock injuries.
- Consider child safety. - Children and holiday lights can be a dangerous combination. Kids like shiny objects, but playing with holiday lights can be very dangerous. Be very careful to place lights out of reach of children.
Source - LoveToKnow.com and BrightNest.com