Safety Tips for Holiday Lighting

12/27/2023 (Permalink)

Keep your holidays bright and your home and family safe by following these tips.

To help keep your holidays bright and your home and family safe, use common sense with candles and tree placement and follow home decorating guidelines. 

In addition to exercising caution with candles and heat sources, it is important to follow manufacturers’ guidelines for holiday lighting. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical distribution, or lighting equipment was involved in 44% of home Christmas tree fires. Though Christmas tree fires may not be common, they can be devastating to more than the house itself. They can destroy irreplaceable photos, mementos, and family heirlooms and even cost lives. 

• Only use decorations that are flame-retardant or not flammable.  
• Check holiday lights each year for frayed wires or excessive wear.  
• Don’t link more than three strands of holiday lights.  

In recent years, when so many of the things we take for granted have changed, we know people will still come together – in person or virtually – to celebrate family and holiday traditions. 'Stay safe' has become a common expression in the context of public health, but this holiday season, we urge all Mid-Michigan home and business owners to think about ‘staying safe’ in their homes as they prepare for and enjoy the holiday season.