Your friends at NineStar want you to have a happy — and safe — holiday season. Here are some easy ways to ensure you deck your halls free from fires, falls and fears.
- When putting up outdoor lights, fasten them securely to trees, your house, walls or another firm support. You want them to remain secure when it’s windy outside. But do not staple them or use nails that can damage the wire’s insulation. Plastic zip ties make an excellent way of securing strands to other stable objects.
- There’s a limit to the number of strands you can connect together. Follow the manufacturer instructions because it differs.
- Extension cords can occasionally overheat. Periodically touch-test the cord. If it’s hot, unplug it.
- When running extension cords outside along the ground, elevate plugs and connectors with a brick. That will help keep snow, water and debris out of the connections.
- It’s lights out at bedtime and when you leave the house — that includes the lights on your trees and other decorations. Lights can short and start a fire.
- When it’s time to pack the lights away until next year, make sure you put them in a well-sealed container that will keep them dry and away from hungry rodents.
Sources: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
