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January 1, 2027 |

Holiday Lights: Your Guide to Decorating Safely

Holiday lights add warmth and sparkle to the season, but damaged cords, overloaded outlets, and improper installation can create electrical and fire hazards. Follow these holiday lighting safety tips when hanging, using, and storing indoor and outdoor lights to help keep your home and family safe.

Hang lights safely

  • Choose lights that are safety certified by a recognized testing laboratory such as UL.
  • Inspect light strands for frayed cords, broken sockets, or damaged plugs.
  • Use only outdoor-rated lights and extension cords outside.
  • Secure lights with plastic clips or hooks, not nails or staples.
  • Don’t pull light strands so tight that the wiring is strained or damaged.
  • Plug outdoor lights into ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-protected outlets. If needed, use a portable GFCI.
  • Keep extension cords and plugs away from water, snow, and ice.
  • Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.

Use holiday lights safely

  • Do not overload electrical outlets or extension cords.
  • Connect only the number of light strands recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Keep electrical cords out of walkways. Do not run cords through doorways, under rugs, or carpets.
  • Turn off holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed. Consider timers or smart plugs to turn them off automatically.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher on hand and know how to use it.

Store decorations with care

  • As you take down lights, check for broken bulbs, damaged sockets, and frayed cords.
  • Wipe lights with a dry cloth and let them dry completely before storing them. Moisture can damage cords, plugs, and electrical connections.
  • Wrap light strands loosely around a reel or spool to prevent tangles and damaged wires.
  • No reel? Wrap lights loosely around a sturdy piece of cardboard to help keep strands organized.
  • Store extension cords with your decorations. They are intended for temporary use and shouldn’t be used year-round.
  • Label light strands or storage containers by location, such as roofline, tree, or inside, to make next year’s setup easier.
  • Store lights and electrical decorations in sturdy bins with tight-fitting lids to protect them from moisture, dust, insects, and rodents.
  • Store electronic decorations in a cool, dry place. Excessive heat and humidity can shorten their life.

Don’t forget battery-powered decorations

  • Remove batteries from decorations before storage to prevent leaks and corrosion.
  • Recycle used batteries according to local guidelines.

A little extra care can help keep the season merry and bright. From all of us to all of you, have a very happy (and safe!) holiday season!