The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and festive decorations, but it is important to keep safety top of mind when decking the halls. While lights twinkle and ornaments sparkle, the risk of fire can increase with faulty wiring or improper use of decorations. From checking your lights to handling extension cords correctly, we will guide you through the best practices to keep your home safe while celebrating.
Indoor Holiday Decorations Fire Safety Tips
- Consider these tips when creating the perfect cozy atmosphere inside your home or condominium:
- Before plugging in any lights or decorations, carefully inspect them and dispose of those that have frayed wires, faulty plugs, or any other signs of damage.
- Opt for flame-resistant or non-combustible decorations whenever possible.
- Always turn off light strings before going to bed or leaving the house, and inspect them annually for wear or damage, replacing any worn-out sets. Consider using timers or smart home lighting and plugs that can be programmed.
Outdoor Holiday Decorations Fire Safety Tips
When setting up outdoor holiday decorations, it is essential to follow safety precautions to prevent accidents and fires. Here are some key safety tips:
- Use CSA-labelled light strings and cords that are specifically marked for outdoor use.
- Turn off the electricity to the outlet before working with any outdoor wiring.
- Secure lights with insulated tape, not nails or tacks, to avoid damaging the wires.
- Avoid taping cords over, under, or along metal eavestroughs, as this can increase the risk of a short circuit.
- Run all outdoor cords above ground, keeping them clear of puddles, snow, or other moisture that could cause electrical hazards.
- Ensure bulb sockets face downward to prevent moisture from entering and causing damage.
- Turn off all outdoor holiday lights at the end of the night or when leaving your home—smart lighting and timers are handy to automate the process.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your outdoor holiday displays are both festive and safe.
Essential Fire Safety for Holiday Trees
When setting up your holiday tree, it is crucial to place it in a safe location away from any heat sources, such as heating vents, radiators, stoves, fireplaces, or burning candles, to reduce the risk of fire. If you are using a metal or aluminum tree, avoid decorating it with lights or any electrical products, as these materials are conductive and can pose a fire hazard. For artificial trees, always check that they have a fire-retardant label to ensure they meet safety standards.
Safe Use of Extension Cords During the Holidays
Do you plan to use extension cords this holiday season? Prioritize safety by selecting the right equipment with these key tips:
- Avoid cheap, low-quality extension cords that use smaller internal wiring, such as 16-gauge cords rated for 10 amps, as they may not support the higher power requirements of holiday lights and decorations which typically require 12.5 amps.
- Do not connect multiple extension cords together to reach the desired length. This can lead to overloads. It is safer to find a single, appropriately sized extension cord.
- Never run extension cords through walls, under rugs, or beneath furniture, as this can cause the cords to overheat and increase the risk of fire.
Whether you are adorning your indoor tree or lighting up the yard, taking a few extra precautions can ensure your holiday celebrations are both merry and safe. Read our Holiday Home Safety blog for even more tips on how to celebrate the season safely.
Remember: Holiday safety starts with proactive measures—and extends to having the right coverage in place. Speak to your Broker to learn how a tailored property insurance policy such as Unica’s LIVEasy® coverage can protect your home and loved ones with year-round peace-of-mind.
