The time has come once again for holiday lights and decorations to come out of storage and make our homes beautiful and festive. As the excitement builds for fun times ahead, make sure you keep safety in mind. You don’t want a sudden fire or electrical issue to wreak havoc on your holiday plans.
Real or Fake? Know the Difference
If a real Christmas tree is on your shopping list, choose a tree that is fresh. Make sure the limbs don’t break or snap when bent. When you trim the tree, cut a couple of inches off the trunk so it absorbs water better. Water the tree daily and remove it from your home when dry. Keep the tree at least three feet away from any heat source. According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost one-third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems.
If you choose to put up an artificial tree, check that it is labeled “fire resistant”. Fake trees do have a shelf life. Research the company and the quality of the product before your buy.
Types of Lights
Indoor lights are made with thin wire since they are not exposed to the outdoor elements. String lights meant for outdoor use have thicker wrapping around the electrical wires for protection. Use indoor lights indoors, and outside lights outdoors. Be sure to replace any lights that have damaged cords.
Turn off the tree lights and other inside holiday lights or decorations before you go to sleep or leave your house. You don’t want flames to erupt during these times.
Consider using LED lights for your indoor decorations. They don’t get as hot as traditional bulbs and will reduce your energy bill.
Replace Old Cords
Speaking of wires, check any extension cords you will be using outdoors to make sure they are not damaged. If they are, buy some new cords to replace them. Use heavy-duty extension cords marked for outdoor use.
Never plug all the lights and decorations into a single plug, power strip, or extension cord. Pay attention to the wattage. Overloading a cord or power strip can lead to overheating and may cause a fire.
Inspect the electrical decorations and look for frayed wires, cracks, and broken light sockets. Make sure the decorations are in working order.
Take measures to protect your cords from damage. Keep them out of reach of small children and pets, and away from doors or furniture.
Use Candles With Caution
Candles are beautiful, but when they are lit, keep them away from decorations and other items that can easily catch fire. Also, keep space heaters a safe distance away.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles. More than two of every five happen when decorations are placed too close to a heat source.
Have a Game Plan
Make a plan before you jump into decorating. Figure out where the decorations are going to go, where the wall outlets are, and how many plugs you have. Check package directions on the lights to determine how many light sets can be plugged into one socket.
Don’t let an electrical hazard ruin your festivities. Practice good electrical safety. This will help prevent fires and electrical accidents from happening in your home.
Need Help? Contact Us for Your Electrical Needs
The folks at CKElectric can handle all your electrical projects, big or small! Need a service call? Our electricians can help you figure out why your outlets have stopped working or your panel keeps tripping. We serve Sykesville, Eldersburg, Frederick, and all of Central Maryland. Call us at 443-920-3078 or email us at info@ckelectricllc.com. We are happy to serve you!