Christmas Lights Safety Advice

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.