5 min read
With the festive season just around the corner, nothing quite captures the Yuletide magic like a display of dazzling Christmas lights. Installing holiday lights in your home or business helps everyone get into the spirit of the holidays.
However, as beautiful as these twinkling wonders might be, they are potentially dangerous and can cause accidents. These can be easily avoided with some knowledge and preventive measures in place. In this guide to Christmas light safety, we provide tips and safety guidelines for a merry, bright, and safe holiday season.
Indoor and Outdoor Christmas Light Safety Tips
Bring in the holiday cheer while reducing the risk of fire and electrical safety hazards with your lights using these Christmas light safety tips.
Buy Quality Lights
Don’t just settle for the cheapest Christmas lights to save a few bucks – quality matters when it comes to Christmas lights. Investing in durable sets from reputable manufacturers can save you a world of trouble. Ensure your lights have undergone rigorous safety checks and meet industry safety standards. A bonus to spending on better-quality lights is that they will likely last several years without any issues.
Inspect Your Lights
Before you start decking the halls with Christmas lights, take the time to inspect your strands of Christmas lights for signs of wear and tear. These include frayed wires, cracked or broken sockets, and loose connections that could become electrical or fire hazards. Before hanging your lights, test them by plugging them in and see if any bulbs need replacing. In case of hazardous damage, it’s much safer to replace your lights than to attempt repairs.
Use Indoor and Outdoor Lights Accordingly
Before purchasing your Christmas lights, check the label to see if you’re buying indoor or outdoor lighting. Indoor-only lights aren’t designed to withstand outdoor elements like rain and snow and can be hazardous when exposed to these. On the other hand, outdoor lights can produce more heat, which could be a fire hazard in indoor spaces.
Don’t Overload Your Circuits
Christmas lights can use significant electricity and overload your property’s electrical circuits. This could result in blown fuses or electrical fires. You can protect your property with these tips:
- Check if your wiring can handle the amperage of your lights and any other appliances running on the same circuit.
- Use only one extension cord per outlet – avoid connecting multiple extension cords or with the same outlet.
- Invest in extension cords with surge protectors or a three-pin plug. If your outlets are designed to accommodate three-pin plugs, avoid using an adaptor and directly plug the extension cord into the outlet.
- Check the wattage ratings of your extension cords and ensure you don’t exceed the limit.
- Limit the number of light strings connected with each other. Professional electricians recommend up to three lines connected.
Choose LED Lights
If you’ve been using old Christmas lights, consider upgrading to newer strings with LED lights. These are more energy efficient compared to older incandescent lights and emit less heat, reducing the risk of starting fires. Additionally, LED lights tend to last longer than incandescent lights, which can help you save on replacement costs later.
Install and Remove Your Lights Safely
Reduce the risk of electric shock, falls, and other accidents by keeping these tips in mind:
- Have a plan ready before you climb ladders or do anything that could be risky. If you’re going to use a ladder, it’s safer to have a second person helping you and keeping the ladder stable.
- Unplug your lights before hanging them.
- Never puncture wires with nails or sharp objects to fasten them in place. Indoors, you can install nails and hooks or use adhesive hooks to hang your lights. For outdoor lighting, you can find Q-hanger hooks and outdoor hanging kits at your local hardware store.
- Avoid hanging lights near power lines or any overhead service wires.
Be Mindful of Your Christmas Tree
The safest option is to invest in an artificial fire-resistant Christmas tree. You can opt for a real tree, but keep in mind that a dry tree can become a fire hazard if your lights overheat. Keeping your tree watered and using appropriate indoor lighting can reduce fire hazards. Only light up your tree when there are people at home. If everyone is leaving the property, unplug the lights.
Use a Timer
Investing in timers for your indoor and outdoor lights makes lighting more convenient, reduces the risk of fire hazards, and makes your Christmas lights more energy-efficient. Use appropriate timers for indoor and outdoor use and then set the times they automatically turn on or off. You may also find smart lighting solutions that allow you to control your lights through your smartphone.
In Case of Holiday Fires, Contact Restoration 1 of Kansas City’s Emergency Restoration Services
Follow these Christmas light safety tips to create a beautiful spectacle and safeguard your family and home during the holiday season. By thinking ahead, exercising caution, and making smart choices, you can make your Christmas light display a source of wonder and delight for all to enjoy safely.
However, even the most prepared properties are vulnerable to accidents and fire hazards. At Restoration 1 of Kansas City, we understand how fires can affect your home, business, or commercial property. This is why our emergency services and fire damage restoration services are available 24/7. In case of disasters, Restoration 1 is the trusted property restoration company in your area.
Contact (816) 708-0808 for a reliable certified team to handle your property restoration needs as efficiently as possible.
