Holiday Decorating Safety

Planning your holiday display

• Plan your display according to the number and location of available outlets and avoid overloading electrical outlets.
• Use lights that have been approved for their intended use – look for a certification mark from cUL, CSA, cETL or other nationally recognized laboratories.¹ Consider using LED lights when possible – they run cooler, use less energy and last longer than incandescent lights.
• Never exceed the maximum number of strings or devices that may be linked together, as indicated on decoration packaging.
• Carefully inspect all lights and decorations for cracks, damaged sockets, or bare wires prior to use – these defects can cause a serious fire or shock.

Decorating safely

• When decorating the outside of your home, keep yourself, your decorations and equipment at least 10 feet from power lines. Make sure decorations are well-ventilated, protected from weather and a safe distance away from flammable items.
• Use wooden or fiberglass ladders when putting up electrical decor and lights outside, as metal ladders conduct electricity.
• Unplug electric lights, devices, and decorations before installing or replacing bulbs, changing parts, or attempting other repairs.
• Plug all outdoor lights and decorations into ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).² Portable GFCIs for outdoor use can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold.
• Secure lights, decorations, and cords to prevent wind damage. Never staple, nail through, or fasten electrical wires or extensions cords in any way that might damage the wire or insulation. This could cause electrical shock or fire.³

During the holidays

• Turn off all lights and electrical decorations before leaving your home, office or before going to bed.⁴
• If possible, use battery-operated candles in place of traditional candles to avoid the hazards of an open flame. If you choose to light candles, place them away from flammable or combustible materials, including other decorations, fabrics, plastic, or paper products.
• Do not put candles in places where they might be easily knocked over, and never leave a lit candle unattended.
• Extinguish all candles before leaving a room or going to bed.

Packing and storage

• Inspect and discard damaged decorations prior to packing and storing them.
• Store decorations in a dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets, as well as heat sources and open flames.
• Stack boxes in a corner or other stable location and never higher than eye level to avoid injury or damage from toppling.

Sources
¹ https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/home-safety/electrical-products.html
² https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/home-safety/tips-holiday-safety.html#a2
³ https://esasafe.com/assets/files/esasafe/pdf/Safety/Holiday-Safety-Tips-2021.pdf
⁴ https://esasafe.com/safety/home-electrical-safety/holiday-safety/