According to the U.S. Fire Administration, one out of three Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical issues. This information should serve as a warning to many homeowners in Tyler, TX, especially to those who love to dress their homes with twinkling lights during the holiday season.
Our team at Maddox Residential & Commercial Services will discuss the five (5) electrical safety tips for safe holiday decorations. Keep reading below.
Opt for Fire-Resistant Trees
Fire-resistant artificial trees can resist burning much longer than conventional trees. Choosing the right material for your Christmas decorations will help keep your holiday celebration a safer one. So be sure to buy only a fire-resistant tree and safe-to-use holiday materials for your decorations.
Avoid Overloading
If you plan to put up lots of lights this year, this electrical tip is for you. Don’t overload your extension cords, and make sure your light strands are distributed to different cords. Remember, your extension cord has a wattage limit. Exceeding its wattage rating could cause overheating and might put your home at grave risk.
Use Decorative Lights Appropriately
What puts homeowners into more trouble is when they mistakenly use the decorative lights during the holidays. It is important to note that Christmas lights come in two types—outdoor and indoor lights. When you try to hang lights outside your home, make sure they are designed specifically for that purpose. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself having a fire on Christmas night.
Give Your Lights a Break
It’s not wise to leave your Christmas lights on at all times. Yes, they may look joyful and alive, but they can also cause a dramatic rise in your energy bills and, worse, safety issues when left on for a long time. Unplug all the lights before you go to sleep or when you leave for a holiday vacation.
Check the Labels
Your Christmas lights should be examined and verified by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to ensure safety and prevent fire or electrical hazards in your home. UL is a third-party organization that sets standards for different product categories and tests them to ensure they meet the safety requirements. Always check the labels and purchase only the UL-labeled decorative lights.
Christmas will be as joyful as you expect when you celebrate it safely. Follow these electrical safety decorating tips to enjoy a merry and safe holiday.
We wish you a wonderful holiday season this year from our team at Maddox Residential & Commercial Services. Happy Holidays, everyone!
