The holidays are here and for many, that means it is time to decorate the house inside and out with strings of twinkling lights and other adornments.
For homeowners insurance agencies, it can mean an increase in damage claims, many due to fires originating with holiday lighting.
Christmas lighting makes a beautiful display, but it can also be dangerous, so follow these holiday lighting tips to avoid making any unexpected calls to your home insurance company because of an electrical fire started by Christmas lights.
1. Use the Right Lights in The Right Places - Indoor and outdoor light strands are made in different qualities to meet different safety requirements, so the risk of fire and a claim to your homeowners insurance, is minimized.
Indoor lights are not durable enough for outdoor use, while outdoor lights are designed to withstand cold and wet weather.
Unless the lights are specifically made to be interchangeable, use the right lights in the right places.
2. Buy Quality And Safety - Choose high-quality light strands produced according to current safety standards.
Look for Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Intertek (ETL Semko) rating symbols on the box to be sure you are buying safe electrical products.
3. Check Condition Before Reusing Lights - When reusing light strings from previous seasons, always check each one carefully before putting it up.
Home insurance safety advocates recommend checking thoroughly for wire kinks or frays, loose bulbs, damaged plugs, and anything that could cause a spark or electrocute someone.
In addition, never use a string that has missing bulbs even if it turns on as the sockets can be a source of spark.
4. Use Extension Cords Correctly - As with the light strings themselves, use indoor and outdoor extension cords in those respective places and make sure they are in good condition.
Avoid overloading extension cords that can service more than one plug and run cords out of the way where they could be a tripping hazard.
5. Avoid Anything Metal - Metal and electricity do not mix, so never use nails, tacks, or staples to hang holiday lights anywhere.
Instead use plastic hooks designed specifically to hang lights inside or outside to prevent wire damage and reduce the risk of spark or electrocution.
6. Consider Switching to LED - LED lights are safer than standard incandescent strings when it comes to preventing home damage and homeowners insurance claims.
They are brighter, more energy-efficient, do not get hot to the touch like incandescent, and are less likely to start a fire.
7. Turn Off The Lights - Never leave Christmas lights on unattended. Turn them off at night before going to sleep and avoid turning them on if nobody is home.
Electronic outlet timers can make it easier to manage light schedules to turn them on and off at specific times.
8. Use Surge Protectors and GFCI Outlets - Another recommendation from home insurance agencies for keeping ornamental lighting safer is to plug light strings into surge protectors and use outdoor GFCI outlets.
Both will switch off if there is a surge or overload through the system due to a short in a wire.
9. Do Not Exceed Three Strings - Adhere to the rule of three when it comes to light strings.
Avoid connecting more than three together unless specifically stated on the package that it is safe to connect more.
10. Keep Live Trees Fresh and Hydrated - When putting up a live tree, reduce the fire hazard by keeping the tree well hydrated.
Dry needles can ignite from the heat of small light bulbs but a hydrated tree that is not drying out is less likely to do that.
Happy Holidays Start With Safe Christmas Lighting Practices
Christmas lights are a favorite holiday decoration when used both inside and outside of the home; however, homeowners insurance agencies find that they are also the cause of many fires and other damage.
Prevent dangerous situations and costly claims to your home insurance policy by practicing care with light strings and other electrical decorations.
Your holidays will be safe, merry, and bright!
