Hanging strings of lights all around the home during the holiday season is a common tradition. Whether you just string them around the exterior of your home or welcome them inside, Xmas lights entail safety precautions. From facing the dangers of an exposed wire to falling from the height of a ladder, there are risks associated with this fun family activity. In addition to reading product directions carefully, here are 5 holiday safety tips to keep in mind while you’re decorating your home for the season.
1. Double-Check Your String Lights
Before you string lights all around your house, it is important to inspect them for frayed wires or cracks. Exposed live wires can be dangerous, leaving you vulnerable to electrical fires — especially if excess heat reaches the flashpoint near flammable furnishings like your carpet or upholstered couch. If you find damaged strands, be sure to discard and replace them.
In addition, the lights you use should be approved by Underwriters Laboratory, meaning that the initials “UL” should be displayed on the tag to signify that the product has been inspected for potential safety hazards. You may not know this, but certain string lights are specially engineered for indoor use only, so it is critical that you identify which ones are not sanctioned for outdoor use. Whereas red “UL” text indicates the lights are vetted for both indoor and outdoor use, green “UL” text denotes that the lights are only safe for the indoors.
Lastly, do not hammer tacks or nails into the electrical cord when hanging lights outside or on the wall; instead, use clips or adhesive strips to safely attach the lights.
2. Use Heavy-Duty Extension Cords for the Outdoors
For lights you hang outside, be sure to use heavy-duty extension cords that are designated for outdoor use. Heavy-duty extension cords are suitable for drawing 10 to 15 amps of power, which makes them a safer choice for grander light displays outdoors. To avoid overloading extension cords, we strongly recommend using no more than three sets of standard lights per cord. Plus, all outdoor lights and inflatable lawn ornaments should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), as GFCIs help prevent electric shock. GFCI outlets come standard in modern homes and can be identified by their test and reset button.
3. Secure Ladders Firmly on the Ground
This tip is a no-brainer: Ensure the ladder is securely placed on the ground before climbing, or else, you may fall and potentially sustain injuries ranging from cuts to broken bones. So, it stands to reason that you should avoid standing on your toes or on the top rung of the ladder. If you must stand on the top rung to hang a wreath, reach the top of your Xmas tree, or dangle lights, then the ladder is not tall enough for your purposes. Unless you’re using a step ladder, the second rung from the top is as high as you should climb on a ladder.
And when you’re decorating outside, remember to keep ladders and decorations away from overhead power lines.
4. Place Power Cords in Low-Traffic Areas
Prevent incidents of tripping by placing cords and light-up decorations in low-traffic areas where they won’t be stepped on. If you cannot avoid high-traffic areas, you may use a cord cover or tape the cord to the floor with duct tape. In addition, when you’re arranging your decorations, avoid twisting or crushing the cords to preserve them for next year’s decorations.
5. Be Wary of Where You Hang or Place Indoor Lights
Indoor lights should not touch upholstered furniture, curtains, or carpeting. While it is generally safe to lay string lights on different fabrics (like along the folds of curtains), it is best to keep them away from materials that are considered to be flammable. For optimal safety, you may opt for LED lights, as these bulbs are always cool to the touch.
By the same token, remember to keep lit candles away from flammable items, too, as these pose even more of a fire hazard than incandescent.
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