The holidays wouldn’t be the same without those twinkling lights! But make sure these colorful and festive decorations do not become the cause for a fire.
- Use lights made for outdoors, outdoors. Read the box and manufacturers label to see if the lights are indoor only, outdoor only or indoor/outdoor. Lights made for outdoors are specially designed to withstand weather and temperature changes.
- Use gutter clips, not nails. This way the wire of the lights will not get damaged and the clips themselves can easily be removed after the holidays.
- If using lights from previous years, check the wires for wearing and bulbs for loose or broken connections. Replace the lights if you notice damage.
- Check the manufacture label for how many light strings to plug together. In most cases up to three is the limit.
- Unplug lights when you will not be home or when you go to sleep as lights can short and start a fire. Use a timer for your lights to make sure the lights are turned off at a designated time even if you forget.
