Safety tips: outdoor festive decorations

Outdoor Christmas decorations can transform your home into a festive wonderland, but only if you prioritize safety while creating your holiday display. To ensure your decorations are both beautiful and secure, take these precautions.

Look for “outdoor use” labels

Use only lights and ornaments designed for outdoor use. Unlike their indoor counterparts, these are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, which could pose a fire hazard if exposed to moisture.

Verify the condition of the cords

Carefully inspect all electrical cords for frays or cracks. Using damaged cords can lead to electrical shocks or fires. It’s also crucial to use outdoor-rated extension cords and ensure they can handle the power load of your decorations.

Secure all decor

Secure lights with clips or hooks instead of nails or staples. These alternatives prevent damage to the cords, reducing the risk of electrical issues. Additionally, firmly attach all decorations to prevent them from being blown away or knocked over in the wind.

Don’t overload a circuit

Spread out your decorations across multiple outlets to avoid overloading the circuit. Overloaded circuits can lead to blown fuses or even fires. Protect all electrical connections from moisture by using weatherproof covers and elevating plugs off the ground.

Turn them off

Always turn off your outdoor decorations when you’re not home or before going to bed. An outdoor timer can help automate this process.

Finally, monitor the weather forecast. If severe weather is expected, remove or secure your decorations to prevent damage.