Holiday Decorating Safety TIps

When it comes to decorating for the holidays, homeowners often neglect to follow simple safety precautions that could leave them in a world of trouble. There are a lot of safety hazards that come about while using electrical cords, setting up lights and decorating the tree so keep these rules in mind as you decorate this season.

1. Need to use an extension cord to plug your lights or lawn decorations into an outlet? Check to see if your cord is labeled for outdoor use, otherwise keep it inside. Outdoor cords are designed specifically to handle the elements while indoor cords are not.

2. Hanging lights outside of your home? We recommend using clips or hooks, but if you must staple them be careful not to puncture or pinch any wires.

3. Have you been using the same lights for years? Holiday lights are now available with LED bulbs that won’t get hot and use less energy. Consider making the switch to save on energy bills this season.

4. Remember to turn lights and decorations off during the day, or any time you leave your home for an extended period.

5. Have a live tree? Make a note or set a reminder to water it regularly. A dry tree and any heat source can lead to a fire.

Have additional questions about how to keep your home safe this holiday season? Feel free to give ABC Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, Cooling and Electric a call.