Add festivity, not fire, to your holiday season.
Each year, holiday lights/decorations (excluding Christmas trees) cause…
800 home fires
34 injuries
$11 million in property damage
2 deaths
Leading causes of Christmas tree fires:
18% involved decorative lights
13% involved wiring/related equipment
6% involved cords or plugs
Fast facts:
2 burned out bulbs = 39% shorter lifespan for light strand
4 burned out bulbs = 63% shorter lifespan for light strand
5 signs you (really) need new holiday lights:
- Your lights are not approved by an independent testing laboratory.
- You are using indoor lights outdoors.
- You need to connect more than three sets of lights together – a sign you need longer strands with more lights.
- Your lights are damaged.
- You have “bubbling” lights and children – these lights are made from glass, can break easily and contain harmful chemicals. Keep them away from children.
Holiday lighting tips:
Turn off Christmas tree lights before going out or to bed.
Use LEDs; they remain cool and are more energy-efficient.
Don’t drape anything over lightbulbs.
Fix damaged outdoor sockets before plugging in lights and use heavy-duty extension cords.
Leave lights unplugged while uncoiling, arranging and attaching them to anything.
These holiday lights-related activities require extra care:
Unknotting strings – use care not to break bulbs or wires.
Displaying metallic trees – could conduct power and create electrocution risk; check for faulty wiring or bulbs before plugging in.
Replacing bulbs – always unplug first to avoid shock.
Installing outdoors – fasten securely to protect from wind damage.
Ladder Safety:
- Always have a spotter when using a ladder.
- Make sure your roof is dry. Even morning dew can be slippery and dangerous.
- Wear shoes with good traction.
- Keep ladders clear of power lines.
- Place ladders on a level surface.
- Use approved wooden or fiberglass ladders.
1 for 4: Keep a ladder 1 foot from the wall for every 4 feet of height
