The holidays are a great time to make your home feel warm, festive, and inviting. Christmas lights, decorations, candles, trees, and outdoor displays all help create that holiday atmosphere. But before you start hanging lights and bringing out the decorations, it’s worth taking a few minutes to think about safety.
As a home inspector, I see plenty of things around a house that homeowners don’t always think about. Holiday decorations can introduce some unexpected fire, electrical, and trip hazards if they’re not installed or maintained properly. Here are some important things to keep in mind before decking the halls.
Inspect Holiday Lights Before Plugging Them In
Those boxes of holiday lights may have been sitting in storage for the better part of a year. Before putting them up, take a close look at the wiring, plugs, and bulbs. Check for frayed wires, cracked insulation, loose connections, or broken bulbs. Any lights with damaged cords or exposed wiring should be discarded rather than used. Make sure the lights are rated for indoor or outdoor use, depending on where you’re installing them, and always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when connecting multiple strands together. Avoid overloading electrical outlets and extension cords. Never assume last year’s lights are still safe just because they worked last season.
Be Careful With Extension Cords and Electrical Outlets
Holiday decorations often mean more electrical devices than your home normally uses. This is a good time to pay attention to how you’re distributing that electrical load. Avoid plugging multiple high-wattage decorations into the same outlet, and never run extension cords underneath rugs, carpeting, or furniture. Keep electrical connections away from water, snow, and wet ground, and use outdoor-rated extension cords for exterior decorations. Damaged or undersized extension cords should never be used. Remember, extension cords are intended for temporary use, not as a permanent substitute for properly installed electrical outlets.
Give Your Christmas Tree Some Attention
A real Christmas tree can become a significant fire hazard if it dries out. Keeping it properly watered is one of the simplest ways to reduce that risk. Choose a fresh tree with needles that don’t easily fall off, and cut approximately two inches from the bottom of the trunk before placing it in the stand. Make sure the tree stand stays filled with water throughout the holiday season. Position the tree away from fireplaces, heating vents, radiators, and other heat sources. It’s also a good idea to turn off tree lights before leaving home or going to bed. Artificial trees should also be inspected for damaged wiring and should be labeled as fire-resistant or flame-retardant when applicable.
Don’t Forget About Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With more cooking, candles, fireplaces, and electrical decorations being used during the holidays, functioning safety alarms are especially important. Take a few minutes to test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries when needed, unless the unit has sealed long-life batteries. Make sure alarms are installed in the proper locations, haven’t exceeded their service life, and aren’t blocked by decorations, furniture, or other obstructions. A working smoke or carbon monoxide detector is one of the most important safety features in your home. Don’t wait until there’s a problem to find out it isn’t working.
Watch Where You Put Candles and Decorations
Candles, seasonal displays, and decorative arrangements can look great, but placement matters. Keep candles away from curtains, furniture, garland, and other combustible materials, and never leave burning candles unattended. Decorations should also be kept away from fireplaces, space heaters, and heating vents. Avoid placing decorations where they can block exits, hallways, or stairways. Battery-operated candles are a great alternative if you want the look of real candles without the open flame. Also, pay attention to decorations hanging near ceiling fixtures and recessed lighting. Some materials can become hot or interfere with proper heat dissipation.
Check Outdoor Decorations and Roofline Displays
Outdoor holiday decorating can involve ladders, rooftops, gutters, and electrical connections. Take your time and don’t turn decorating into an emergency room visit. Always use a properly rated ladder on stable, level ground, and stay clear of overhead power lines. Use lights and extension cords specifically rated for outdoor use, and make sure decorations are secured so wind and winter weather don’t pull them loose. Avoid climbing onto icy, wet, or snow-covered roofs, and don’t attach decorations in a way that damages shingles, gutters, or siding. If a display requires climbing onto a steep or slippery roof, consider hiring a professional.
Keep Walkways, Stairs, and Exits Clear
Holiday decorations can sometimes get in the way of everyday household traffic. Make sure extension cords, decorative displays, gift boxes, and seasonal furniture aren’t creating trip hazards. Pay particular attention to stairways, entryways, and hallways. Outdoor walkways should also be kept clear of cords, decorations, ice, and other obstacles. Good lighting around entrances and steps can make a big difference during the darker winter months, especially when guests are visiting.
Don’t Overlook Your Gutters and Exterior
Holiday decorating is also a good opportunity to take a look at the outside of your home. Before hanging lights, check for loose gutters, damaged fascia, loose siding, and other visible exterior concerns. Make sure downspouts are directing water away from the foundation and that decorations aren’t blocking drainage. Avoid using gutters as support points for heavy decorations unless the products are specifically designed for that purpose. A little attention to the exterior now can help prevent problems as winter weather settles in.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Holiday decorating should be about enjoying time with family and friends, not worrying about electrical problems, fire hazards, or someone taking a tumble off a ladder. Taking a little extra time to inspect your decorations, check electrical connections, test your safety alarms, and look around your property can help make the season safer and more enjoyable.
And remember, home maintenance doesn’t stop just because the holidays are here!