Staying Safe This Halloween and Holiday Season
Celebrating holidays at home usually includes festive decorations, especially for holidays like Halloween and Christmas. Not only do many people choose to use holiday lights and other electric decorations, but battery-operated figurines are also popular. Household members are advised to remember a few tips this Halloween and the rest of the holiday season to keep the home safe.
Inspecting Lights and Decor
Even expensive Halloween and Christmas lights and decor can have unforeseen problems. Before hanging festive lighting and electric decorations, it’s important to check for damage. String lights, in particular, can have small tears in the wiring or cracked bulbs. If a box has been tampered with, the likelihood of damage is considerably higher.
LED lighting is considered a safer option for holiday lights because they are less likely to melt the wiring. Although these bulbs do not burn as bright, the difference is usually not noticeable. LEDs last longer than traditional bulbs as well, making them ideal for holiday decorations.
Where to Place Decorations
It's also essential for any outdoor holiday lighting to be safe for outdoor use and not to be confused with indoor string lights. This will ensure they are safe to use outdoors and can withstand weather conditions. In addition, people should be mindful of spreading out the electrical demand across different outlets and circuits to avoid an overload.
Outlets should also be examined before plugging anything into the socket. Two-pronged outlets, usually found in older houses, have been phased out for safety reasons. So, if these are the only outlets available, an electrician should be called to upgrade the outlets for safety. Power strips are reserved for more modern outlets but should also be used sparingly to avoid an overloaded circuit and outlet. Lights that frequently flicker or dim could point to an electrical circuit overload.
The After Party Checklist
Electrical safety practices reduce the likelihood of a fire hazard from overloaded circuits or faulty holiday lighting and decor. However, after a successful holiday party or just when leaving the home or going to bed, a few items should be crossed off the list.
All electrical decor and lighting should be turned off. Before going to sleep or leaving the home unattended, homeowners are encouraged to inspect their property for any lights they may have forgotten about and any damage that might have occurred. Also, blowing out any candles and extinguishing the flames from the fireplace is an important safety tip, regardless if it is a holiday, to avoid a fire. Battery-operated candles are a smart alternative for households. Many battery-operated candles have a timer that will shut it off after a certain amount of time.
About Trustworthy Electric
Trustworthy Electric provides military discounts for Montgomery, AL, residents. Their expert staff offers personalized service, upfront pricing, and advice backed by years of experience that homeowners can rely on. Call them today to learn more about their holiday lighting installation services in Montgomery, AL.
