The holidays are a time when everything is merry and bright, but it’s also a time when dangers around the home are increased, especially with more family staying home this year. From Christmas tree lights to ladder accidents, open-flame candles, or oven fires, there are many potential mishaps that can happen. 

To keep up the holiday cheer, and to avoid anything that looks like a ‘Griswold’s Christmas’, we’ve outlined a list of very important safety tips to follow to keep you and your family safe. 

Electrical Safety Tips for the Holidays

1. Decorations and cords get damaged over time and after each use. Before you hang them, inspect all electric decorations for damage before using them. Check for any signs of damaged plugs, frayed cords, loose bulbs, cracked light sockets, bare wires, or loose connections. If something is questionable, don’t try to fix it with tape. The few bucks you’ll save aren’t worth the thousands you may lose if there’s a fire. Toss any damaged items and replace them.

2. Make sure to use lights you choose for outdoor use are designated as “outdoor” lights. Outside lights should have a fuse built into each strand’s plug and may be labeled “for outdoor use.”

3. Avoid overloading electrical outlets. Overloaded electrical outlets and faulty wires are a common cause of fires during the holidays. As much as you may want to be the most lit up house on the block, you may have to tone it down, depending on your outlets. Check the string lights' packaging for the power output and never plug in more than what a power strip or outlet recommends. Avoid connecting more than three strings of lights in one series.

4. Opt for battery-operated candles for your holiday décor instead of open flame candles.  Many battery-operated candles look very warm and realistic, without the fire hazard.

5. Protect electrical cords from getting damaged. Keep pets away from electrical cords (and glass ornaments!). Pets can chew on cords, creating a hazard for electrical shock or fire. Electrical cords should never be pinched by furniture, placed under rugs, or attached by nails, tacks, or staples. 

6. Check electrical decorations for the UL, CSA, or ETL testing certifications. Decorations not bearing a label from any one of these independent electrical testing laboratories have not been tested for safety and could be hazardous. 

7. Turn off and unplug all decorations when unattended or if you’re leaving the home.

8. Switch out incandescent lights for LED lights. Not only does it conserve electricity, but it doesn’t get as hot as traditional bulbs.

9. Practice safety on the ladder when hanging holiday lights. Hanging lights on the house are probably one of the most memorable times you’ll have for the holidays. Using the buddy system (i.e. having someone spot you) and securing the ladder on a hard, flat, secure surface is important to avoid falling.

Other Important Holiday Safety Tips

1. Never leave candles unattended. If you have curious cats who like to jump on counters, candles can be tipped over easily. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) found that 52% of decoration-related fires were started by candles.

2. Some holiday plants, while beautiful, are very harmful! Popular holiday plants that are poisonous to children and pets, include mistletoe and holly berries. Poinsettias are also said to be mildly toxic to pets.

3. Keep menorahs and kinaras at least three feet from flammable materials like curtains or decorations. 

4. If you’re decorating a live Christmas tree, make sure it is well-watered daily or as often as needed. When real Christmas trees aren’t watered regularly, the needles get dry and become a fire hazard against lights that get too hot. If needed, set a reminder on your phone to check the water level. Make sure the tree is not covering a heat vent. Each holiday season, fire departments respond to an average of 210 Christmas tree fires nationally, reports the NFPA.

5. The holidays are the perfect time for a warm fireplace! Make sure the chimney is clean and free of any debris (leaves or bird’s nests) before using. Use a fireplace screen at all times and keep all logs, kindling, and flammable materials at least three feet from the fireplace hollow. Don’t try to burn anything else other than logs in the fireplace. Before going to bed or leaving the house, make sure the coals are extinguished and put the ashes in a metal bin at least 25 feet away from the house.

6. Don’t forget to prep the sidewalks and the outside of your home! Keep your driveway and walkways clear of ice and snow with rock salt or a pet-safe ice melt. If you have to shovel snow this holiday season, there are electric snow blowers that can help make the job a lot easier (and safer!)

7. Keep older kids’ toys and gadgets away from small children. Some items for the older kids may have small parts and potential choking hazards.

8. If you’re leaving your house unattended for a few days during the holidays, make sure to secure your home. Have a neighbor keep an eye out and keep you informed of any unusual activity. If possible, install a smart home monitoring device or front door camera that you can control from your phone or tablet. 

Planning ahead, following important safety tips, and securing your home can make all the difference for an enjoyable and safe holiday season!  For more information on safety with electrical gadgets or appliances, contact your local energy experts and energy co-op PPD. 

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About Tri-State

Tri-State is a power supply cooperative, operating on a not-for-profit basis, serving electric distribution cooperatives and public power district member-owners in four states. Together with our members, we deliver reliable, affordable and responsible power to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West. Visit www.tristate.coop.