Tips for Safe Holiday Decorating | Teems Electric

Is there such a thing as too many decorations? When it comes to the holiday season, the answer is definitely no!

Even if you consider yourself a minimalist when it comes to holiday decorations, any time you put something requiring electricity outside or inside, there are safety measures you should keep in mind. House fires always increase in number this time of year, and many of them are from decorations that are inappropriately used.

Follow a few easy safety tips and you can decorate to your heart’s desire all season long.

Outdoor Safety

Whether you are hoping to win the neighborhood’s brightest lights contest or just adding a little bit of sparkle to your front porch, outdoor decorations can require a lot of power extenders. Anything placed out in the yard will need an extension cord, and for multiple electrical items, you may need a power strip.

When placing any decorations outside, it is crucial to make sure they are rated and labeled for outdoor use. Your exterior outlets should all be GFCI-protected, and should have covers to protect them when not in use. Get your extension cords in the proper length as well—it isn’t safe to plug multiple cords into one another to get the length you need.

Don’t mount lights with staples that could pierce the cords, and avoid placing them where water could form puddles. One of the most common ways electrical fires start is from overloaded outlets, so make sure you aren’t plugging in more than it can handle.

Consider your personal safety while you decorate as well. Make sure your ladder is safe, and remember that your gutters aren’t designed to support your weight!

Indoor Safety

While interior decorations still need many of the same safety regulations as the outdoor ones, there are a few additional things you will want to think about as you make your home festive. Avoiding overloaded outlets inside is just as important as it is outside, as is using the proper length of extension cord.

Inside your home, you also need to think about the placement of your decorations. Keep trees, tinsels and soft objects away from open flames. Make sure you keep fresh trees watered, and consider upgrading your interior lights to LEDs. These lights won’t heat up and can lower your overall energy costs.

Always turn your lights off at night before bed and any time you are going to be away from home. Skip plugging in older decorations that may not be up to current codes. Consider using them in some other kind of display so that you can still safely see any of your antiques.

Enjoy your decorations however you choose, just do so safely. You can be the neighborhood Griswolds or just enjoy a bit of sparkle all season long when everything is correctly powered.

Need some extra power to light up your home this season? Contact us and we will handle anything you need.