Thanksgiving eve marks the ready, set, go for Christmas decorating inside and out. Neighborhoods are getting brighter each night as houses and trees are being trimmed in the twinkle of holiday lights. Personally, I dread the laying out strings of lights end to end-so they actually work! I never seem to get the strands to link end to end in the right fashion.
How many light strings can be strung together? Are indoor lights the same as outdoor lights? What about a timer for the lights? I need some answers.
My first stop for answers is on Underwriters Laboratory web site. Go to their page on Decorative Lighting Stri
ngs.
Things to remember when shopping for and using electric holiday lights:
Look for the UL mark and label on all the lights you purchase or are using presently. This UL mark means that engineers have evaluated and tested samples of these lights. The product samples are tested and evaluated for risk of fire, electric shock, and other hazards.
When decorating outside with strings of lights or any electrical decoration be sure it is labeled for outdoor use. Decorations marked indoor use are for just that-indoor use.
Holiday Light Safety Tips:
Buy your light strings and electrical decorations from a reputable retailer and with visible safe use directions on the box or packaging.
Don’t overload electrical outlets, extension cords or power strips.
Keep electrical cords out of walk ways and door ways.
Don’t place electrical cords under furniture or rugs.
Don’t loop or dangle cords from beds, chairs, or any other furniture.
Keep tree lights away from the base of the tree, where the water basin is if using a cut/live tree in your home or business.
Keep Christmas trees, decorations ,and presents away from burning candles, lit fireplaces, and heat sources.
Don’t use frayed or damaged electrical cords on light strings or any other decoration that requires electricity.
Keep live/cut Christmas trees hydrated by keeping the water level in the tree stand topped up. Check it daily.
Larger vintage style light bulbs are hot to the touch. Keep little hands and pets away from these lights.
Turn the lights off when you are away from home and before going to bed.
Read and follow the manufacturer directions, and precautions as listed on the package and the instruction sheet enclosed with the lights.
My second stop is here: National Fire Protection Agency .Print out the free sheet on Christmas tree safety. Be smart and be safe. Print a couple safety sheets and give them to your friends and relatives. Discuss the safety issues with your family. Hang a copy up in your break room or office area. Share the knowledge and help keep safety first this holiday season.
My third stop is here: National Christmas Tree Association . Scroll down a bit on their site and find the place where this is written: 10 Biggest Myths about Christmas Trees,Busted. Find out the difference between a live tree and an artificial tree. You might be surprised at the myths!
visit Alison on her blog Kitchen Table
