With Christmas fast approaching, many homeowners go the extra mile and decorate both inside and outside the home in honor of the special time. Decorating with electric lights, while cheerful, festival and bright, also creates a risk of fire.

With a little care and preparation, fires can be prevented. What follows are some safety tips TheBAYNEt.com found searching the Internet that may help homeowners avoid overloaded circuits and accidental electrical fires.

Outside Lights

  • Always lights have been approved by an independent testing lab such us UL
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing lights.
  • Never use lights not labeled for outdoor use.
  • Connect outside lighting to a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupting outlet so that a short will throw the breaker and keep the home safe.
  • When attaching lights to the home, do not use staples or nails that may penetrate wire covering
  • Do not close doors or windows on extension cords or light wires which may damage the insulation
  • Inspect both new and used light strings for any damage prior to installation


Inside Lights

  • Ensure that lights and other electric decorations are kept away from children and pets
  • Unplug all lighting before leaving the home or going to bed
  • Make sure that none of the individual lights rest on power cords
  • Do not cover lights and electric decorations with any flammable material
  • Discard any lights that sow damaged or frayed cords or broken glass, exposing filaments
  • Most holiday lighting comes with built-in fuse protection. Should a fuse blow, there is an overload situation which should be corrected immediately.
  • Take down lights when the holiday is over

 
Christmas Tree Safety

  • If the tree is live and fresh cut, make sure the tree is kept fresh
  • Keep the tree as moist as possible by making sure the holder always has water covering the truck base
  • Make sure the tree stand is suitable for the size tree purchased so it will not tip
  • Use approved tree lights that have been tested and approved by a laboratory such as UL.
  • Inspect lights carefully and discard lights that are frayed or have broken bulbs.
  • Keep the tree a minimum of three feet away from any heat source
  • Ensure the tree placement does not block any passageways or exits
  • Do not use electric lights on a metal tree.
  • Artificial trees should be labeled fire-retardant.
  • Large tree lights should have a reflector instead of just a bare bulb
  • Dispose of the tree when it starts to dry out
  • Do not under any