Christmas Tree Lights Safety Tips
Christmas tree lights are a festive way to light the centerpiece of your holiday décor, but it is important to use them properly to prevent fires from happening.
It is an unfortunate fact that many holiday revelers must suffer the consequences of faulty lighting systems this time of the year; some with tragic results.
Ensuring the safety of your Christmas tree lights is often quick and easy, and gives you peace of mind throughout the holiday season.
So when you are trimming the home and baking the Holiday yummies, keep these safety tips in mind.
Safe Tree, Safe Lights
The first step in ensuring the safety of your Christmas tree lights is to consider the tree that you will be putting them on. Most artificial trees today are properly treated for fireproofing, so owners can rest easy with these types of trees in their home.
However, it never hurts to check the box or call the manufacturer to be sure that the tree you select is safe for use.
Fresh trees present a much different dilemma, since a tree that is too dry can become a tinderbox if there is a short in the Christmas tree lights.
If you have a fresh tree, it is important to water daily and remove the Christmas tree lights if the tree becomes too dry.
Placement of the tree is also important, so keep them away from heating vents, fireplaces and direct sunlight that can dry the tree out quicker.
Christmas Light Safety 101
It is important to use Christmas tree lights that are specifically designated for indoor or outdoor use, especially when putting up lights outside. The Christmas tree lights you choose should be tested for safety and should come with certification stating this point.
Check light strands every year for signs of fraying or kinking and make sure all broken bulbs are safely replaced before placing light strands on trees. Any signs of damage mean that the strand should be thrown out and replaced.
The low price on Christmas tree lights today makes it easy to replace strands before they become a fire hazard.
When connecting Christmas tree lights, another common mistake is to load too many strands onto a single circuit, increasing the odds that a short will occur. To avoid this safety risk, never connect more than three light strands together on a single extension cord.
Never leave Christmas tree lights on when you go to bed or leave the house, since this is also a serious fire hazard if the lights short while you are gone. It is also a good idea to keep lights away from any Christmas decoration that might pose a fire risk as well, such as those made of flammable materials or metal that could cause a spark.
Christmas tree lights are a lovely addition to the holiday home, and proper use will ensure that your house stays safe and sound throughout the season. Follow these simple tips and your home will be a happy place to enjoy the festivities without the worry of fire danger.
