Although decorative lights are great for getting your home ready for the holidays, they can also present safety risks if they aren't displayed and maintained correctly. Follow these tips to stay safe while decorating for the holidays:
- Select lights that have been independently tested by a safety and compliance organization. Tested products will generally have a label.
- Inspect all lights before using them and discard those with damaged cords or plugs. Also, make sure the lights are unplugged before replacing any bulbs.
- Use a ladder made of nonconductive materials when you hang lights outside to reduce the risk of electrocution.
- Check to see if your lights are meant for indoor or outdoor use. Indoor lights can cause electrocution or fire if used outside.
Decorating can get you in the holiday spirit, but remember to put safety first when you're creating a winter wonderland.
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash