Holiday-lights

Holiday Lights Safety Tips

Fire Restoration

There’s something magical about lights during the holiday season. But with the majesty also comes added risk. Between 2017-2021, US fire departments responded to an average of 150 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. Holiday lighting poses a real fire risk if not used safely. So, before you deck the halls, be sure to check out these holiday lights safety tips.

Christmas Trees

  • Only use Christmas tree lights rated for indoor use and tested for safety. Check for the label of an independent testing laboratory like Underwriters’ Laboratory (UL).
  • Consider LED lights. They are more energy efficient and don’t get as hot (reducing fire risk).
  • If you have a natural tree, keep the tree stand filled at all times. If the tree dries out, discard it promptly.
  • If you have a metallic Christmas tree, never put electric lights on it to avoid the risk of electric shock.
  • Before using lights, check each set of lights for worn or broken cords, broken or cracked sockets, and loose bulb connections. Replace damaged lights.
  • Connect no more than three standard-size sets of lights into an extension cord. Don’t overload electrical outlets or extension cords. Instead, plug lights into different circuits around your home. Use grounded (GFCI) outlets if possible.
  • Don’t fasten colored spotlights onto metallic trees. Instead, use the above or beside your tree to prevent tree branches from becoming charged with electricity from faulty lights.
  • Turn off all Christmas lights and decorations when going to bed or leaving home.
  • Keep pets safe by protecting electric cords and tree lights so they can’t chew them. Older, non-LED bulbs can get very hot. Also, chewing on cords can cause severe medical issues for pets.

You might like: Holiday Fire Safety for Kids

Christmas-tree-lights

Outdoor Lights

  • Make sure outdoor lights are rated for exterior use by an independent testing laboratory. Exterior lights and extension cords used outdoors need to be weather-resistant. (Don’t use extension cords designed for indoor use.)
  • Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, houses, walls, or other firm support to protect them from wind damage. However, don’t attach light strings with nails or staples as these can cut through the wire insulation and start a fire. Use only UL-approved hangers.
  • Take exterior lights down within 90 days to prevent hazards from weather damage or critters chewing on them.
  • Store lights safely after taking them down. Tangled lights can lead to damaged cords and broken sockets. They are also a pain to untangle! Wrap the strings around a piece of cardboard, cover them in paper or fabric, and then store them in a sturdy container until next year.
Holiday outdoor lights

Candles

  • Never use real candles to decorate a tree. Use battery-operated, flameless LED candles instead.
  • If you use real candles elsewhere, follow these candle fire safety guidelines:
    • Use only non-flammable candle holders.
    • Place candles where they can’t be knocked down or blown over.
    • Keep candles away from any flammable objects like decorations or drapes.
    • Never burn candles near trees or greenery.
    • Always keep burning candles within your sight.
    • Extinguish all candles before going to bed, leaving the room, or leaving your home.

Contact PuroClean for Fire Restoration Services

Our family at PuroClean of Matawan wishes you and yours a safe and wonderful holiday!

Should you need it, PuroClean’s disaster restoration services are standing by to help mitigate property damage. Contact us for professional fire damage restoration services.

Sources:
National Fire Protection Association – Winter Holiday Fire Safety Tips.

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