As the holidays approach, our imaginations are filled with images of perfectly lighted trees and homes welcoming us with twinkling lights and decorations. But in the rush to create the light display of our dreams, we often overlook the precautions necessary for keeping our homes and loved ones safe.

“We always see an increase in the number of home fires in the month of December, many relating to the use of decorative holiday lighting,” explained Rick Coons, CEO at Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “Injuries and fatalities associated with these tragedies are preventable with proper precautions.”

Holiday lights can pose a number of safety hazards. One common holiday lighting question involves how many strands you can safely connect on one cord or outlet. The answer varies, based on the number and type of lights. For this reason, it is important to save the original packaging and instructions. If you don’t have the instructions, consider investing in new strands. The investment is worth the safety of you and your loved ones.

A number of lighting precautions should be followed to ensure your holiday safety. Among them:

• Carefully inspect lighting strands for frayed or exposed wires, loose connections, and cuts in the insulation. Do not attempt repairs. Damaged strands should be replaced.
• Do not secure light strands or cords with staples or nails.
• Never run extension cords or lights under rugs or furniture. Heat or a spark could ignite the flammable materials.
• Avoid overloading outlets and circuits. Flickering lights, tripped circuit breakers, and blown fuses are warning signs that your home’s electrical outlets may be overloaded.
• Avoid hanging lights on the lower limbs of the tree if you have small children in the house.
• Turn off lights before you go to bed and anytime you leave home.

“If an accident should happen,” warned Coons, “a smoke detector is your first line of defense. Ensure that yours has been tested and has fresh batteries. If a detector is older than 10 years, it should be replaced unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer.”

When plugging in holiday lights outdoors, ensure the plug is protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). “Most people are learning that GFCIs are required where electricity is used near water, like kitchens and bathrooms,” commented Coons. “But some overlook the need for having these specially designed outlets near melting snow and ice.”

A GFCI outlet is equipped to sense when electricity is deviating from its intended path and can disconnect the circuit if dangerous conditions exist. This ensures the safety of everyone nearby.

With these measures in mind, you can create the light display you desire, while maintaining the safety and happiness of the season.

Sources: Electrical Safety Foundation International, Consumer Product Safety Commission.