The season of light is upon us, and whether your decorations are more simple and traditional or can be seen from the moon, your safety and that of your children, guests and pets is very important.
The decorative lights you use both indoors and out can be potential fire and electrical hazards. Use only indoor lighting for your holiday lights inside your home. This may seem like obvious advice, but people often don't know there's a difference. Holiday lights are rated for indoor or outdoor use and must be used in their intended settings. For example, outdoor lights burn brighter and thus create more heat, which increases the chance of a fire if they are used inside. The same goes for extension cords. For outdoor lights, only use heavy-duty extension cords rated for outdoor use.
Check your light strings for fraying, breaks or tearing. Before you hang them, check each bulb and the entire wire for any kind of damage. Look specifically for places where bare wires are exposed. If you see extensive damage, the strand needs to be replaced. Be sure any lights you use are UL approved.
Consider LED lights as replacements, and your lighting display will be brighter, safer and more economical. Led lights use much less electricity and you can string many more sets together than old style bulbs. They are more durable in harsh conditions and not apt to break.
Whether you are hanging lights indoors or outdoors, don't use staples, nails or other sharp objects to hang them. You risk damaging the wire, which can then potentially cause a fire or electrocution. Use insulated holders specifically manufactured for hanging holiday lights. Don't hang indoor lights near your fireplace.
Keep your lights in proper working condition by taking outdoor lights down as soon as the holidays are over and storing all lights properly. Consider investing in a holiday light storage reel on which to store your lights. You can also make your own. Save wrapping paper and paper towel tubes to wrap the lights around to keep them from tangling. Store each light string in its own plastic bag or container.
When unplugging light strings, always pull the plug from the receptacle by the plug, not the cord. Check the lights for any signs of weakness as you did when you pulled them from storage to hang them. Store the lights in a dry place, preferably in a waterproof storage container and off the floor where they are safe from dampness.
May your holidays be merry and bright and remember, help is just around the corner at your local hardware store.
