Here's how you can help reduce your risk of electrical fires | PEMCO

Nothing warms your heart quite like a twinkling string of lights on your eaves, fireplace mantel, or tree. Sadly, though, December festivities also bring a heightened risk of house fires because of faulty electrical decorations, improperly used extension cords, or overloaded outlets. Only candles and cooking mishaps account for more. 

The Electrical Safety Foundation International says electrical decorations cause a quarter of all holiday fires. That number jumps to one-third when it comes specifically to holiday tree fires, according to FEMA.  

So how can you channel your inner Clark Griswold without worry? This year, make sure you add “safety” to your list, beginning with these 10 tips.

How to create a safe light display  

1. Replace hot heirloom bulbs with cool-burning LEDs. Many of us recall the nostalgic, cheery glow of old-fashioned hot-filament C7 or C9 bulbs. And frankly, first-generation LEDs couldn’t match the look. But fortunately, LEDs have come a long way in mimicking the warmth of incandescents without the risk of igniting a dry tree. We’re big fans of swapping your old lights for LEDs. They burn a lot cooler than hot-filament bulbs, posing less of a fire risk.
    
   A bonus to go along with fire safety? While LEDs cost more than traditional bulbs, they’ll save on electricity and typically outlast standard bulbs. Win-win! 

2. Check lights and extension cords for indoor or outdoor ratings. If you’re hanging lights outdoors, use only outdoor-rated lights and extension cords since they can handle exposure to moisture.  

3. Keep electrical connections as dry as possible and situate them away from standing water. Also, never remove an extension cord’s grounding pin so it will fit in a two-prong outlet. 

4. Choose lights and decorations approved by a national testing laboratory to ensure they meet safety standards. “UL” is a good label to watch for. 

5. Test and inspect. Before you hang any lights, particularly ones you’ve saved from previous years, inspect every string. If you notice cracks, exposed wire, or discoloration, don’t use it. If it looks OK, plug it in and watch for a minute or two. If it flickers or the plug seems loose, it’s time to buy a new one. 

6. Don’t connect more light strings than recommended. If yours are missing their warning labels, assume you can’t connect any more than three strings. And never “daisy chain” extension cords by plugging one into another. That can cause the circuit and cord to overheat. 

7. Don’t run cords under rugs to hide them (they can overheat) or allow them to get pinched and potentially damaged in doors and windows or under heavy furniture. Always pull the plug – not the cord – when removing it from an outlet. 

8. Unplug holiday lights when you’re away. Or, install a timer to turn them off automatically. In a PEMCO Poll a few years ago, 20% of respondents admitted to leaving lights plugged in even when they leave home. 

Make sure your electrical system is ready for the job 

9. Don’t ignore tripped circuit breakers. They’re a sign the circuit is overloaded. Rearrange light strings to spread the electrical load to different circuits. 
   
   Bonus tip: Remember that surge protectors have a lifespan. Most models should be replaced after five years. Consider writing the date of purchase on your surge protectors with Sharpie, as it can be easy to forget. That way you’ll know when they’re due for a replacement!

10. Don’t use staples or nails to hang holiday lights. Piercing the insulated wire can create a fire hazard. Plus, nails and staples can put holes in your siding and roofing that could let in water and damage your home. Use gutter clips or hooks instead. 
     

Remember, it’s always a good idea to check your smoke detectors and ensure they have fresh batteries. 

Electrical safety is important all year round. And what better time to think about it (and make any changes) than when we head into the winter season? And when you practice safe use of electrical decorations . . . you can worry less and enjoy the season just a little bit more.