Holiday Lighting Safety Tips Offered by Springfield Fire Department

The holiday season is the most popular time for home decoration. The Springfield Fire Department hopes residents will enjoy this festive season with family and friends while also remembering a few tips to ensure holiday lighting displays remain safe throughout the season.

Outdoor Lighting Safety 

Check all lights for frayed wires or areas where insulation has pulled away from plugs or sockets. Discard and replace any damaged light strings. 

Take extra care using a ladder to install lights – avoid contact with overhead wires and make sure the ladder is placed on solid, level ground that isn’t slippery. 

Ensure that tacks or nails used to hold light strings do not pierce any insulation on wires or light sockets. 

Use only extension cords that are approved for outdoor use. These cords must meet rigorous safety standards that indoor cords may not meet. 

Outdoor lights, inflatables and other decorations should be plugged into outlets protected by ground fault interrupters. 

Place outdoor lights on a timer or turn them off before you go to bed. 

Indoor Lighting Safety 

Inspect all light strings and cords for any damage, including frayed wires or insulation that has pulled away from light sockets or plugs. Also check for chewing or scratching damage if you have pets in the house. Discard and replace any damaged light strings. 

Live trees should be kept well-watered. 

No more than three strings of standard indoor lights should be connected to any extension cord. 

Make sure cords are placed where they won’t be stepped on, kinked or pose a tripping hazard. 

Lights should not be permitted to touch drapes, furniture or carpeting. 

Lights should be turned off overnight and when no one is home.