Holiday lighting safety
Lights and trees
- Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, loose connections, or frayed or bare wires. Discard all damaged cords.
- Don’t connect lights while adjusting them on a tree or house. Inspect lights and plug them together before hanging.
- Indoors or out, use only lights that have been tested for safety. The lights should have the Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) label.
- Don’t let light bulbs rest on tree needles and branches. Use a clip or twist-tie to keep bulbs upright.
- Watch young children around lights and decorations with small pieces that could be ingested.
- Unplug tree lights and decorative outdoor lighting before leaving the house or going to bed.
- If you buy an artificial tree, check for a “flame resistant” label.
Cords and outlets
- Keep cords out of water and away from metal objects.
- To hook up your outdoor lighting, use a three-prong grounded extension cord with the UL label.
- Uncoil extension cords completely before using, and be sure to place them away from heat sources and bulbs.
- Never place cords under rugs and doors or through windows where they might be pinched or become worn.
- Don’t overload outlets or extension cords.
12 Days Of Safety
Sources: SRP, NSC.Org