Did you know that more than 86% of Americans decorate the homes during the winter holiday season?   And of that 86%, almost two-thirds use electric lights for decorating indoors, and more than half use lighted decorations outdoors?  Of course, with the increase in electrical decorations comes a significant increase in fires and electrical injuries when not used properly.  Before you and your family decorate your home or business this season please keep safety in mind.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) provides the following safety tips to help ensure a safe holiday season:

Christmas Tree Safety

  • When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness.  A fresh tree will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard than a dry tree.
  • Cut 1-2 inches from the base of the trunk immediately before placing the tree in the stand and filling with water to ensure water absorption.  Keep the tree stand filled with water by refilling daily.
  • Place your tree at least 3 feet away from all heat sources, including fireplaces, radiators, and space heaters.
  • When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.”  This label indicates that the tree is more resistant to burning.
  • Inspect all lights, decorations, and extension cords for damage before using.
  • Don’t use electrical ornaments or light strings on artificial trees with metallic leaves or branch coverings.
  • When trimming a tree, only use non-combustible or flame-resistant materials.

Holiday Lighting Safety

  • Unlike incandescent bulbs which generate most of their energy in heat, LEDs are cool to the touch—which also indicates greater energy-efficiency.  LEDs are also more durable.
  • Turn off all indoor and outdoor holiday lighting before leaving the house or going to bed.
  • Never drape anything over a light bulb or lamp shade.
  • Avoid using candles when possible. Consider using battery-operated candles in place of traditional candles.
  • Never leave an open flame unattended. Keep burning candles within sight.
  • Extinguish all candles before you leave the room or go to bed.
  • Place lighted candles away from combustible material and areas where they might be knocked over.
  • Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens.
  • Keep candles away from other decorations and wrapping paper.  Do not burn wrapping paper as a means of disposal.

Outdoor Decorating Safety

  • Make sure all extension cords and electrical decorations used for outdoor decorating are marked for outdoor use.
  • Match power needs (amperage) of electrical products with amperage rating of extension cords.
  • Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).  If circuits are not GFCI-protected, portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold and require no special knowledge or equipment to install.
  • Inspect all lights, decorations, and extension cords for damage before using.
  • Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, the house, or other firm supports to protect them from wind damage, but take care not to attach the lights in a way that could damage the cord’s insulation.
  • Keep all extension cords and light strings clear of snow and standing water.
  • Make sure spotlights used to illuminate decorations are well-ventilated, protected from weather, and a safe distance from flammable items.
  • Inspect ladders for loose or missing screws, hinges, bolts, and nuts before using.
  • Use wooden or fiberglass ladders when decorating outdoors.  Metal ladders conduct electricity.
  • Use the right ladder height, ensuring ladders extend at least three feet past the edge of the roof.
  • Exercise caution when decorating near power lines. Keep yourself and your equipment at least 10 feet from power lines.
  • Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many decorations or electrical devices. They can overheat and cause a fire.
  • Make sure that cords are not pinched in doors, windows, or under heavy furniture, which could damage the cord’s insulation.
  • Do not mount or support light strings in a way that might damage the cord’s insulation.
  • Always unplug electrical decorations before replacing bulbs or fuses.
  • Turn off all indoor and outdoor electrical decorations before leaving home or going to sleep.  Timers work great for scheduling lights on and off automatically.