Holiday Lighting and Fire Safety

The holidays are upon us, and so are the beautiful decorations and lights. With holiday decorations can come fires. Disaster Cleanup Services wants your holidays to be nice and disaster free. Below we will go over some tips to ensure your holiday lights are safe and in good working order.

Check for Broken or Frayed Wires

Before you begin the decorating process, it is crucial that you check all your wires. Even the tiniest break in a wire can be a safety concern. If the wires are frayed or broken, you should replace the decoration. Never use a decoration that has broken or frayed wires. It is a severe fire concern.

Check for Broken Bulbs

Lights will still work if you have a broken bulb. It is important to check each light for breaks, as it can cause a fire if water gets into the broken area of your lighting. Replacing the bulb is simple and can save you from a serious fire.

Ensure You Have the Right Extension Cords

There are indoor and outdoor extension cords and decorations. Never use indoor extension cords outdoors. If the extension cord gets wet, it could short out and cause a fire. Please make sure you check your decorations and cords to ensure they are for outdoor use.

Don’t Overload your Circuits

Plugging too many decorations in one area can be a safety concern. Fires can start from an overloaded circuit. It is crucial that you understand the voltage of your decorations and plug them in accordingly. Your extension cords should also be powerful enough to handle your decorations.

Water Your Tree

This should be a no-brainer, but many people forget to water their trees. If you have a live tree, you need to water it regularly. If not, it becomes a fire hazard and can quickly catch on fire from a hot bulb or other decoration.
Above are some simple tips to ensure your holiday season is disaster free. If you do have a fire, give us a call. We are the number one fire restoration company in the area.