Holiday Lights Safety Tips

The winter holidays are an exciting time of year and many people love to celebrate it by decorating their homes and hanging up lights. However, it is important to know how to safely and properly hang your lights to avoid injuries and damage.

Please read the following safety tips to help prevent such accidents this holiday season.

• Use only lights that have been CSA approved.
• Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.
• Annually inspect each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets.
• Always replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same wattage bulbs.
• Check lights before climbing ladders, step stools or working at heights (roofs).
• Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.
• Make sure the extension cord is rated for the intended use.
• Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
• Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage.
• Stay away from power or feeder lines leading from utility poles.
• Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house.

Most importantly – have fun this holiday season!