Yes, it wouldn’t be Christmas without the glow of brightly illuminated icicles hanging from the roof, or houses trimmed with green and red lights lending their beauty during the winter evenings. However, studies have shown that more accidents occur during the Christmas holiday due to hanging and arranging outdoor Christmas lights, than any other holiday season. To prevent tragedy from occurring, here are some things that you should do to lower your risk of injury due to faulty outdoor Christmas lights.

It is common practice to store Christmas decorations, including outdoor Christmas lights and use them the next season. This practice should be handled carefully to ensure everyone’s safety. First, when you are looking through your lights, especially those lights, which have been stored away, it is imperative to double-check them. You should look for any missing or broken bulbs and replace them before using.

Checking the wires is also an important step to take before using outdoor Christmas lights. Make sure that none of the strands are cut or frayed. If your lights are damaged, it is wise to throw them away and purchase a new pair. Your safety is worth much more than the cost of Christmas tree lights; your family’s well being should be a priority. When hanging lights, be sure that you use a ladder that is sturdy and durable. Secure the lights firmly to the structure you are decorating to prevent them being blown by heavy winds.

Many people like to string Christmas lights around outdoor trees. However, many experts disagree with this practice. If one of the lights becomes damaged it can cause the entire tree to become an electrical hotbed. There have been cases of people becoming injured from making physical contact with just a branch from the tree. Try using other lights (such as spot lights) aimed at the tree rather than stringing Christmas lights on the tree themselves.

Though you may be tempted to have the most splendid yard in the neighborhood, you should always turn off your outdoor Christmas lights before retiring for the evening. If the lights short out, they could cause a fire so it is best to ensure that all lights are turned off as a preventive and safety measure. Never connect more than three strands of Christmas lights to one extension cord.

In general, remember that children are very curious when you are hanging or displaying outdoor Christmas lights. Make sure that all of your lights are strung carefully and out of children’s reach. Secure all Christmas decorations so that children cannot easily access them as well. You may need to make sure that your gate is locked when you are not home to prevent any curious onlookers from entering your property. Remember to always turn off your Christmas lights when you are not home.

By implementing these safety standards you can ensure that your holiday will not only be joyous and merry, but safe as well.