Christmas is on the way, and that means that it’s time to get your home decorated for the holiday. Before throwing up the tree and a bunch of lights, there are some things you’ll need to consider to ensure that your home, family and friends are safe during the holidays. A few holiday decorating safety tips are listed below.
Don’t Overdo the Decorations
It seems like there is no end to the type and amount of decorations you can get this time of year. From inflatable characters to different types of lights, it’s easy to keep adding to the interior and exterior of your home. However, more isn’t always better. When it comes to winter safety tips, it’s advised not to overdo the decorations.
There are a couple of reasons why having too many decorations is a bad idea, and the biggest hazard has to do with your home’s electrical capabilities. Plugging too many things into your outlets could overload the circuits, causing the breakers to trip. Not only that, but the more energy you draw to power these decorations, the higher your electricity bill will become.
In addition, if any of the decorations have faulty plugs, this could impact your outlets and create an electrical surge. If it smells like something is burning or you notice discoloration on your outlet covers, you’ll need to contact a Las Vegas electrician to assess the situation.
When it comes to holiday safety, it’s not a bad idea to use decorations tested by the Underwriters Laboratories for safety. Before plugging anything in, double-check the cords to make sure they are intact and don’t have missing or damaged insulation.
If you are using extension cords, it should also be in good working order. Don’t plug more than three strings of lights into one extension cord.
It’s also a good idea that any lights or decorations outside are secured. If winds kick up, you don’t want Santa to become a dangerous flying object.
Watch Where You Place Your Lights
String lights are a staple of the season, and it’s possible to hang these both inside and outside your home. When putting them up, for the sake of safety, you want to make sure you place them properly. This means that they should be out of the way so that people don’t trip over or run into them.
If you are hanging lights from a ceiling or your roof, make sure they don’t hang too low. The last thing that you need is a guest walking into the lights and choking themselves or getting knocked down. Keeping the lights out of the reach of children and pets is also advised. Both are capable of putting lights into their mouths, which could lead to them getting shocked.
LED lights burn cooler than traditional bulbs, and they’re more energy efficient. Consider spending a little more on LEDs. They are both safer, and in the long run, more economical.
Forgo the Flames
Other staples of the holiday season are candles and fires. These items can add warmth and comfort to a chilly night, but they can also be a hazard—especially candles. It is easy for these to get knocked off tables or for objects to get too close to the flame. Thus, if you have to have candles in your home for the holiday, consider getting LED candles. They look almost exactly like the real thing, but they are a safer alternative.
When it comes to fireplaces, these are slightly safer than candles because they are contained, but they also come with risk. Making sure that screens are in place and that the chimney is free from debris. And of course, be sure the fire, and any candles, are completely out before heading to bed.
Here in Las Vegas, we’re lucky to live in a place where we can celebrate outside, even in December. If you are lighting a fire in an outdoor fire pit, do it on a calm night. The wind can easily blow embers out of the pit and into a dry areas which can catch fire.
There’s nothing like spending time with your friends and family over the holidays and showing off your festive spirit by putting up decorations. Consider these holiday safety tips so that you and your loved ones stay safe!
Happy Holidays!
If you need help with your outlets, breakers or any other electrical component–or if you simply have a question about holiday decorating safety–contact Fowler Electric using the form below.
Make an appointment for a free estimate today!
