Celebrate the Season Safely

The holiday season can be a time to express yourself with beautiful light displays – from elaborate outdoor designs to a simply decorated indoor tree. Follow these tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to keep your holiday light displays safe.

If you’ve taken those old Christmas lights out of the box in the garage again this year, remember to check each strand for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires and loose connections. Don’t use any of the damaged lights. Fasten the lights securely to protect them from wind damage, and don’t overload your extension cord with any more than three standard-sized sets of lights.

Did you know that if you decorate a metal tree with electric lights, it could become charged with electricity from a faulty light? Anyone touching the tree could be electrocuted. Instead, use spotlights to light your metal tree rather than attaching lights to it. If you are using an artificial tree, look for one that is fire-resistant.

“Bubbling” lights can be hazardous to children if they are curious. The glass can break, causing cuts and the liquid that bubbles contains hazardous chemicals. Children should always be supervised around your electrical decorations, cords and plugs!

Don’t leave lights on when you go to bed or leave the house, in case of a short that could start a fire, and keep paper decorations away from lights and electrical connections. By using common sense and following a few simple guidelines, your holiday lights can be a joyful tradition year after year.