Your Pretty Holiday Lights Can Cause Damage To Your Home

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

If you experience a fire due to holiday lights, call SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus today!

Putting up holiday lights on the outside of your home can be pretty to look at but there are safety tips you should follow to ensure the pretty lights don't end up damaging your home.

• Inspect the light strings. Throw away any strings of light if they are damaged. Frayed or cracked electrical cords or broken sockets are big fire hazards.
• Replace burned out bulbs. Empty sockets can cause the entire string to overheat causing a potential fire.
• Outdoor lighting is UL-Rated for external use. Exterior and interior lights are not the same. Exterior lights should be weather resistant. The same follows with extensions cords being used outdoors.
• Don't nail or staple light strings. Attaching light strings by nailing or stapling them can cut through the wire insulation, creating a fire hazard. Use only UL approved hangers.
• Take down exterior lights within 90 days. The longer you have your lights up, the more likely they are to suffer damage from weather or critters chewing on them.
• Safely store lights during off season. Tangled lights can lead to damaged cords and broken sockets. When you are putting your lights away, coil each string loosely around a stiff piece of cardboard, wrap them in paper, and store them in a sturdy container to protect the bulbs.