Holiday Decor Hazards

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But they can also be a time for disaster if you’re not careful. Firefighters see an increase in fires during the holiday season, many of which are caused by faulty holiday decorations. In this blog post, we’ll talk about some of the most common hazards associated with holiday decorating and give tips on how to avoid them. Stay safe this holiday season!

Focus on Sparking

Holiday lights are one of the most common causes of house fires. Many of these fires do not occur due to significant fuses blowing but instead begin with a tiny spark. Understanding the materials you are working with when decorating your home is essential in ensuring that lights are not in direct contact with flammable objects. In October, we posted a related blog explaining how these sparks may occur, which can be accessed here.

Old Decorations

One of the most common hazards associated with holiday decorating is old, outdated decorations. If you’re using more than a few years old decorations, they may be at risk of catching fire. We recommend scrutinizing your decorations before using them and replacing them if you see any signs of wear or tear. It’s also a good idea to test your lights and other electrical decorations before you put them up. Plug them in and turn them on for a few minutes to ensure they’re working correctly.

Short Circuits

Another hazard to watch out for is short circuits. This can happen when you plug too many lights or other electrical decorations into the same outlet. If you have a lot of decorations, spread them out over different outlets to avoid overloading one circuit. You should also avoid using extension cords when possible. If you need to use an extension cord, ensure it’s rated for the wattage of the decorations you’re plugging into it.

Following these tips can avoid some of the most common hazards associated with holiday decorating. Stay safe this holiday season! And if you need any help with your electrical system, call Plugged In Electrical Services. We’re your local electricians in Newnan, GA, and we’re always here to help. Happy holidays!