Deck the Halls with Holiday Lights Safety

Lights, inside and out, are a beautiful part of the holiday season. But before you deck the halls, run through this holiday lights safety checklist to keep your holidays merry and bright.

1. Inspect Light Strings. Discard any that are damaged. Frayed or cracked electrical cords or broken sockets are leading fire hazards.
2. Replace Burned-Out Bulbs Promptly. Empty sockets can cause the entire string to overheat.
3. Make Sure Outdoor Lighting Is UL-Rated for Exterior Use. Exterior lights, unlike those used inside the house, need to be weather-resistant. The same goes for any extension cords used outdoors.
4. Don’t Attach Light Strings with Nails or Staples. They can cut through the wire insulation and create a fire hazard. Only use UL-approved hangers.
5. Don’t overload your outlet. Keep it to 3 strands only. If you’re using LEDs, most UL-labeled lights will tell you on the package how many strings of lights you can safely string together.
6. Don’t put cords through doors and windows. The cord could become pinched, which can ruin the insulation around the wires and lead to a nasty shock.
7. Take Exterior Lights Down Within 90 Days. The longer they stay up, the more likely they are to suffer damage from weather and critters chewing on them.
8. Store Lights Safely. Tangled lights can lead to damaged cords and broken sockets. After the holidays, coil each string loosely around a stiff piece of cardboard, wrap it in paper or fabric to protect the bulbs, and store in a sturdy container until next year.