Christmas lights are the definition of a joyous celebration. It’s true, a Christmas tree wouldn’t be complete without its twinkling lights, would it?
Even the greatest holiday lights can still lead to dangerous situations, even though they create the ideal Christmas display. Without proper preparation or safety checks, Christmas can very quickly become a catastrophe.
According to the Ghana National Fire Service, house fires are caused by Christmas lights each year. In light of this, we have put together a list of the top 5 guidelines that everyone should abide by to avoid a Christmas décor meltdown. You never know; reading these tips might make a huge difference!
1. Pick the right kind of light
Using indoor lights outdoors or any kind of outdoor string lights inside might seem like a smart idea, but there could be serious health and safety risks involved. Lights from the outdoors and the inside should be used for different purposes and should not be combined. With this in mind, it is highly important to ensure the lights you are hanging are correct for the type of environment.
While outdoor lights are only made to withstand cold and rainy weather, indoor lights have undergone special testing to guarantee they do not pose a fire risk within the home. Since outdoor lights can easily catch fire and get much hotter than indoor lights, using them inside could be dangerous. Similarly, indoor lights are not made to withstand wet and cold weather conditions.
To be safe, make sure you only purchase certified lights for the area you wish to decorate. For example, indoor lights should be for the Christmas tree and outdoor lights for a patio, front garden, or roof.
2. Check for any missing or broken light bulbs and faulty wiring
Many people reach for the same set of Christmas lights each year, be it for the tree, an outdoor display, or to brighten up a fireplace or mantlepiece. Check for failed, missing, or broken bulbs before reusing them every year, advises electricians.
Make sure to use bulbs that are the same type and rating as the originals to replace any outdated or dead bulbs. Using bulbs with different ratings runs the risk of causing a short circuit or possibly blowing a bulb. Faulty wiring can also make your home more susceptible to an electrical fire, even if just the protective casing has come away from the wire.
Throughout the Christmas season, if you discover any lights are broken or missing, replace them with a brand-new, safety-tested set that is approved by the law.
3. Turn your light off overnight or when going out
While leaving your fairy lights on while out and about to prolong the festive mood or to take advantage of their increased visibility at night may seem like a good idea, it is something you should avoid doing.
In addition to running the risk of overheating or short-circuiting, leaving the lights on overnight or unattended can also result in fire, electrical damage, or even high power bills.
If you are planning on leaving your lights on for prolonged periods, make sure you check the label to determine whether the bulbs and the wattage can handle a long night of illumination. The most important piece of advice, though, is to always unplug and turn them off at night or when you leave the house.
4. Use the correct ladder when hanging exterior lights
The ladder you select to access those high spots to hang your lights is crucial if you want to go full Who-Ville and deck out your roof and exterior.
The type of ladder you use matters. Handling lights on a metal ladder can result in electrical shocks if you are not careful because metal ladders conduct electricity. To prevent electric shocks during the holiday season, contractors advise using a fiberglass or wooden ladder when hanging anything electrical.
5. Use the right extension board, cord, or sockets and avoid overloading
Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without digging out your trusty extension cord to power all the countless lights. However, before you turn on your holiday lights, there are a few things you should think about.
When using a lot of high-wattage lights, be aware of how much of the cord you are plugging in, and keep in mind that this increases the risk of an electrical fire. You also want to make sure you never connect an extension cord with another extension cord. This will increase the likelihood of fire incidents involving your decorations during the holiday season.
Ensure you have measured the extension cord length that you need to avoid any tripping hazards and ensure there are enough ports. To prevent any short circuits, it is critical to replace any damaged wiring on an extension cord right away.
Enjoy Christmas accident-free!
