The holiday season is a festive time when twinkling lights, Christmas trees, wreaths and more all help to adorn homes and properties throughout the country. However, these decorations often include electrical components, flammable materials and open flames.

To ensure maximum safety for you, your loved ones and your home while still enjoying the beauty of holiday decorations, consider the following steps:

• Adhere to all installation and safety instructions regarding decorative lights.
• Inspect both newly purchased and old lights used in previous years and dispose of any that have cracks, exposed wires or loose connections.
• Avoid connecting more than three sets of decorative lights to a single extension cord.
• Unplug lights and other electrical decorations whenever they are unattended, including while you are sleeping.
• Set up Christmas trees at least 3 feet away from heat sources.
• Do not keep Christmas trees in your home for over two weeks, as they may become dry and present significant fire hazards.
• Hang breakable ornaments and those with detachable parts at higher levels to ensure they are out of the reach of children and pets.
• Use ground fault circuit interrupting outlets for outdoor lights and ensure these decorations’ plugs are kept away from snow, ice and water.
• Arrange potentially poisonous plans, such as holly berries and mistletoe, in areas that are out of the reach of children and pets.

For more resources regarding home safety and homeowners insurance, contact us today.

Source: Zywave