Christmas Lights Safety Advice
DO
- Choose Christmas lights that have been tested and deemed safe. Check packaging for safety notice.
- Opt for the cooler-burning Christmas lights as opposed to the traditional bulbs. The older style bulbs burn hotter.
- Ensure to use Christmas lights that have fuses in the plugs.
- Inspect each set of Christmas lights - old or new - for damage. If new, return any set with cracked or broken sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. If old, dispose of this set.
- Replace bulbs which are no longer working with new bulbs of the same wattage.
- Use extension cords properly. Do not overload extension cords.
- Ensure the lights are not plugged in to an electrical power when inspecting bulbs.
- Monitor children and pets around Christmas lights.
DON’T
- Ever leave your Christmas lights plugged in overnight or when you are not at home.
- Go near powerlines or feeder lines (these go from the pole to the house).
- Use tacks or nails to secure outdoor Christmas lights. Instead use insulated holders.
- Never pull on a string of Christmas lights, it stresses the cords and can lead to fraying. Store Christmas lights loosely wrapped for the same reason.
- Never hang Christmas lights on a metal tree. The tree can become charged with electricity and shock someone. The tree can also short out the Christmas lights and cause a fire.
- Use indoor cords outside. When hanging Christmas lights outside use outdoor Christmas lights. It will be noted on the packaging and/or instructions as to where the lights are suitable for usage.
Available for download: ProActive Solutions Christmas Lights Safety