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Holiday Lighting Safety Tips

Holiday Lighting Safety Tips

Published: 3/22/2023 12:47:20 PM

Holiday lighting accidents can lead to injuries and property damage. Follow these tips to keep your family safe.

holidaylights-1

Holiday lights can add to your seasonal celebrations, but they can also increase your risk of a house fire. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, holiday lights and decorations cause nearly 400 house fires each year. The following tips can help keep your family bright, happy and safe this holiday season.

  • Use holiday lights that are approved by a nationally recognized testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
  • Before hanging your lights, inspect them for frayed wires, broken sockets or other signs of wear and tear.
  • Avoid connecting more than three strings of lights together, unless the directions indicate otherwise.
  • When using extension cords, avoid routing them under rugs or near walkways.
  • If you decorate a real tree, water it every day and prevent the lights from coming into contact with tree branches.
  • If you choose an artificial tree, make sure it's certified as fire resistant. Look for the UL label.
  • For outdoor decorating, only use lights and power strips that have been approved for outdoor use.
  • Keep electrical connections off the ground and make sure wiring is clear of downspouts, railings and aluminum siding.
  • Fasten holiday lights securely to buildings, trees and other outdoor surfaces to prevent damage from wind or jostling.
  • Be careful when using metal staples or nails as fasteners. They can damage the protective insulation covering the wires.
  • Turn off lights late at night or whenever you are away from home. Consider using a timer.

While safety is your first concern, don't forget about energy efficiency. LED lights use up to 80% less energy than traditional lights and they have a longer lifespan. LEDs are also cool to the touch, reducing the risk of fire. Look for LEDs that are ENERGY STAR® certified.

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  • MY BILL
    • PAYMENTS
      • My Bill Explained
      • View/Pay My Bill
      • Ways to Pay
    • RATES
      • Current Rate Schedule
      • Incentive Rates
    • SERVICE
      • Begin/Discontinue Service
      • Update My Account
    • INFO
      • Ownership Rewards
      • Scams
  • MY CO-OP
    • THE CO-OP WAY
      • Co-op Principles
      • Member Rights And Responsibilities
      • Our Mission and Promises
      • Bylaws
    • ABOUT
      • Where we serve
      • Office Locations
      • Board of Directors
        • Director Responsibilities
      • Management Team
      • Our History
        • Adams' Timeline
      • Co-op University
    • JOIN
      • Careers At Adams Electric
      • Be A Co-Op Volunteer
        • Credentials and Election Committee
        • Member Engagement Group
        • Scholarship Committee
      • What is Co-op Owners?
      • Co-ops vote
      • New Member Packet
  • MY COMMUNITY
    • Project Helping Hand
    • Community Loan Fund
    • LED Area Lights
    • Co-op Connections
    • PSECU
  • MY EDUCATION
    • Scholarships
    • High Voltage Safety Demos
    • Youth Education
    • Rural Electric Youth Tour
    • Safety Quiz
    • Co-op University
  • MY PUBLICATIONS
    • Penn Lines
    • Brochures
    • Annual Report
    • Electric Installation Guide
  • MY ENERGY SAVINGS
    • MY USE
      • SmartHub
      • Solar Dashboard
      • Renewable/Alternative Energy
    • MY SERVICES
      • Audits
        • Home Efficiency Analysis
        • Business Energy Advisor
        • Walk-Through Energy Audits
      • CFL/LED Recycling
      • Generator Safety
      • Together We Save
    • MY PROGRAMS
      • U-Shift, U-$ave
        • U-Shift Air Conditioning
        • U-Shift Off-Peak Rate
        • U-Shift Water Heating
      • Lighting Options
      • Surge Protection
      • Member Power
    • MY PRODUCTS
      • Online Energy Store
      • Aero Energy
      • Filter Change
  • MY EV