The holiday season brings joy and cheer, with twinkling lights and festive decorations transforming homes into winter wonderlands. However, safety comes first when decorating your home with holiday lights. According to the Consumer Products Safety Report, approximately 15,000 people visit emergency rooms due to holiday decorating-related accidents each year. This guide will help you create a holiday atmosphere while keeping your home and loved ones safe from common risks.
Common Holiday Decorating Injuries
Decorating incidents often include falls, cuts, electric shocks, and burns. Many of these accidents happen while hanging lights, reaching for decorations, getting up on the roof, or using faulty equipment.
Avoiding Fire Hazards
Fire hazards are a major concern with holiday lighting. Overloaded circuits, damaged wires, and improper extension cord usage can lead to electrical fires. Additionally, combining low-wattage ornaments with high-wattage bulbs increases the risk of overheating and potential fire outbreaks.
Ditching Old Holiday Lights
If you have older incandescent holiday lights, we recommend recycling them and upgrading to newer LED lights. LED lights produce significantly less heat, use less power, and have a lower risk of starting fires.
Working With a Partner
Always enlist a helper when putting up lights and other decorations at any height that involves a ladder or being on the roof. Even if you’ve done it many times before and feel confident, no one is immune from a slip that leaves them on their back. You should always have someone present to spot you and call for help if there’s an accident.
Hiring a Professional
If you don’t have the right equipment or skill to put up holiday lights, don’t hesitate to call in a professional service. Don’t attempt anything that’s out of your depth just to save a little money. It could cost you much more in the long run, which no one wants at the holidays.
Safety Checks Before Hanging Lights
Before you start decorating, we recommend doing thorough safety checks on all your holiday lighting equipment.
Inspecting Light Strings for Damage
Carefully look over each string of lights before you plug it in. Look for cracked sockets, frayed or loose wires, and loose connections. These issues can lead to short circuits or electrical fires. If you find any damage, it’s best to replace the entire string rather than trying to repair it. Remember to unplug light strings before replacing bulbs or fuses to avoid getting shocked.
Checking Ornament and Bulb Wattage
Ensure that all ornaments and bulbs are using the correct wattage. Using bulbs with too-high wattage in low-wattage fixtures can start a fire. Always replace damaged ornament parts with manufacturer-specified items to maintain safety standards and keep it working.
Testing Extension Cords and Adapters
Most people use extension cords and adapters for their holiday lighting display. If you use them, make sure they have no visible damage. Test them by plugging in a small device before connecting your holiday lights to help identify faulty cords and prevent potential electrical hazards.
Best Practices for Stringing Holiday Lights
Follow these best practices to help you create a beautiful holiday display while minimizing risks.
Proper Connection
When connecting multiple strings of lights, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. As a general rule, avoid connecting more than three strings of mini lights end to end. For larger C7 or C9 bulbs, limit the total to 50 bulbs when you connect them in a series. Going over these limits can lead to overheating and potential fire hazards.
Safe Extension Cord Usage
Choose the right extension cords for your holiday lighting needs. Use outdoor-rated cords for exterior decorations and only plug them into ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. Never run extension cords through water, even if they’re labeled for outdoor use.
Proper Mounting Techniques
Mounting lights improperly can lead to falls or damage to your home. Use clips and hooks specifically designed for holiday lights instead of nails or staples. These accessories support the weight of light strings without damaging your home’s exterior or electrical wires. Properly mounted lights look better and have fewer risks.
Indoor Holiday Lighting Safety
Indoor holiday lighting requires special attention to ensure a safe and festive atmosphere inside your home.
Tree Lighting Safety
When decorating your holiday tree, use lights specifically made for indoor use. Avoid overloading the tree with too many light strings. If you have a natural tree, check its water level daily to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
Fireplace and Heat Source Considerations
Keep your tree and other flammable decorations at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, radiators, and other heat sources. This distance helps prevent accidental ignition and reduces the risk of fire spreading quickly. Be extra cautious with candles, and never leave them unattended near decorations or your tree.
Safety Around Pets and Children
Children and pets are naturally curious, which can pose additional risks during the holiday season. Ensure all cords and light strings are secured out of reach to prevent tugging, chewing, or accidental disconnections.
Outdoor Holiday Lighting Precautions
Outdoor holiday lighting adds a festive touch to your home’s exterior, but it also comes with unique safety challenges.
Weather-Resistant Lighting Choices
For outdoor decorations, use lights and decorations specifically rated for exterior use. These items are designed to withstand various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and cold temperatures. LED lights are a good choice for outdoor use, as they produce less heat and are more energy-efficient than the older incandescent bulbs.
Proper Outdoor Extension Cord Use
When using extension cords outdoors, only use ones rated for exterior use. Avoid overloading outdoor circuits by distributing your lighting across multiple outlets. Keep all connections elevated and away from puddles or snow to prevent water from seeping into the plugs.
Securing Outdoor Decorations
Wind and weather conditions can cause outdoor decorations to loosen and create hazards. Secure all decorations, including light strings, inflatables, and fixtures, with good fastenings. This minimizes the risk of damage and protects pedestrians and vehicles from hazards caused by moving or falling decorations.
Maintaining Safety Throughout the Season
Ensuring the safety of your holiday decorations doesn’t end after installation. Regular maintenance prevents accidents so you can enjoy a worry-free holiday season.
Daily Safety Checks
Perform daily visual inspections of your holiday lights and decorations. Look for signs of wear, damage, or overheating. Pay special attention to areas where pets or children might have tampered with decorations. If you notice any issues, fix them right away.
Importance of Turning Off Decorations
Always turn off all holiday lights and electric decorations before leaving your home or going to bed. This practice saves energy and reduces the risk of electrical fires when you’re not around. Consider using timers or smart lights to automate this process.
