| 418 Words | 4 Min Read | D. Hiester |

Now that we are past Halloween and quickly approaching Thanksgiving, the big question on many people’s minds is, “So when will the Christmas Decorations go up?” For many, this is a joyous time of spending quality family time enthralled in the cheer of the season. Here are some tips on keeping your house and family safe in the midst of your decorating ventures. 

Use Safe and Tested Lights and Materials

Firstly, these well-maintained decorations will improve the appearance of your home. They will shine brighter and be more engaging to all who look upon them. They will also be much safer for your house. Faulty lights can cause fires as well as shock those who touch them, so check for certifications such as UL, CSA, ETL, or other tested agencies. Be sure throughout the holidays to check for any cracks or defects on your decorations regularly.

Preserve your Outlets

Many people try to cram as many lights, trees, and decorations into a single outlet as they can. However, this can lead to overloading, which can permanently harm outlets, as well as shock and spark. This idea also applies to the maximum number of strings or devices that can be linked together. It can provide your decorations with the same problems as overloading an outlet. Be sure to follow all of the recommendations that your lights and decorations suggest. 

Hang and Secure Safely

Be sure when hanging any decoration outdoors that you keep them all at least 10 feet away from power lines. Wind or snow can cause the lines to sway, causing damage to your home and decorations. Also, when hanging lights outside, try to use fiberglass or wooden ladders, as metal ladders conduct electricity that will shock you.

Cleaning Up

Finally, when the holiday season draws to a close, it will be time to clean and store all of your decorations safely for next year’s festivities. When cleaning up your holiday decorations, you want to make sure you inspect all of your materials for damage. Especially avoid open wires, or broken glass in any boxes you may store away.

Holiday Decorating can be an amazing opportunity to be with family and friends. As you prepare to go and spread this holiday cheer, be sure you do it safely to ensure that the laughing and smiling never needs to cease.

For more information on decorating your home safely for the holidays, Travelers has more guidelines to follow.