What would the holiday season be without the fantastic light displays, inside and out? With over 86 percent of Americans decorating their homes with lights this season, it’s important to take smart electrical safety precautions to protect your home and family. Follow these tips to enjoy the holidays safely and reduce your risk of fire and injury.

Electrical Safety Tip: Inspect Lights

Delicate light bulbs can be easily damaged as they are packed and unpacked each year. Over time, wires in your lighting strands can break down or become damaged. It is important to inspect your lighting strands before decorating each year to ensure they are safe to use. If you find damaged décor, replace it with new lights.

Electrical Safety Tip: Don’t Overload

Plugging in too many items to an outlet can increase your risk of fire. Don’t be tempted to plug in multiple cooking appliances or several strands of lights to one outlet. Plan your décor as well as your holiday cooking with electrical safety in mind. If you are in need of additional outlets to manage your family’s electrical demand, have outlets professionally installed. Also, don’t connect more than three strands of lights together, as it could overload your circuit.

Electrical Safety Tip: Turn Off Lights

Whenever you leave home or go to bed, turn off your exterior lights, lights on your tree, and any other indoor holiday lights. This will reduce your risk of fire, and will save you money on your electrical bills.

Electrical Safety Tip: Outdoor Outlets

The holiday season brings weather hazards such as snow, ice, and sleet. The exterior outlets used to plug in your holiday lights need to be protected from this moisture to keep your home and family safe. Consider installing covered exterior outlets to shield your connections from moisture this season and throughout the year.