Everyone loves to decorate for Christmas, from extravagant light displays to simple wreaths on the door, we like to make our homes festive for the holiday season. However, it’s important to remember that safety is always an essential aspect of any activity. With that in mind, here are 7 electrical safety tips for Christmas.
1. Avoid Overloading Outlets
During the holidays you might have more electrical decorations than usual. Just be aware of how many plugs you have plugged into one outlet. If you have too many things plugged in, it can create a fire hazard. Try to use power strips with surge protectors to avoid any problems.
2. Take Care of Your Christmas Trees
Christmas trees can be a significant fire hazard if not taken care of properly. If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure you keep the tree watered and that you don’t overload it with too many lights or ornaments. Also, be sure to get rid of it once the holidays are over. A dried-out Christmas tree can easily catch on fire.
3. Use Candles Safely
Candles are a popular decoration for the holidays, but they can also be a significant fire hazard if not used safely. Make sure you keep all candles in a safe place where they can’t be knocked over, and never leave a candle burning unattended. Another option would be to use flameless candles near flammable objects.
4. Use Extension Cords Safely
Extension cords can be hazardous if not used properly. Make sure you only use those that are rated for the amount of power they will be carrying. Don’t overload extension cords, and never run them under rugs. They can block the airflow and cause the cord to overheat, causing a fire hazard. You can also buy an inexpensive cord protector to keep cords dry and away from bad weather.
5. Be Careful When Using Holiday Lights
Christmas lights are small decorations that don’t produce much heat, but they can still become quite hot if left on for too long. Make sure you turn off your Christmas tree lights before leaving your home or going to bed at night. You can also use LED (light-emitting diode) lights as an alternative to traditional Christmas lights. They use even less power, and they don’t get quite as hot after being left on for a long time.
Also, make sure you use lights that have been tested and certified for indoor use, and never use lights that are damaged or frayed. It’s also a good idea to keep your decorative lights a few inches away from your Christmas tree. If they are too close, they can easily start a fire.
6. Make Sure all Your Christmas Decorations are Properly Grounded
Many holiday decorations, such as lights and extension cords, come with grounding plugs. These plugs help to reduce the risk of electrical shock. Make sure all your holiday decorations are correctly grounded before using them.
7. Have an Emergency Plan in Place
It’s always a good idea to have an emergency plan in place in case of a fire or other emergency. Make sure all members of your family know what to do in case of an emergency, and make sure you have a working smoke detector in your home.
Takeaway
The holiday season is the perfect time to pull out all of your favorite decorations. But before you decorate your home with lights, tinsel, garland, and more, make sure that you are thinking about all of the precautions necessary to keep yourself and others safe.Now that you know these ten electrical safety tips for Christmas, you can ensure that your holiday decorations are as safe as they are festive.
If you have more questions about electrical safety in your home or office, contact us at Coastal Mechanical Contractors. Our expert team of electricians in will be happy to help with any electrical problems that may arise around the holidays.