Outdoor Decorating and Lighting Safety

• Never use Indoor Lights outside your home.

• Never use an Aluminum Ladder when working with electrical devices of any kind. Use a Fiberglass Ladder with the proper weight rating for you. [ladder safety link

• Fasten bulbs securely and point the sockets down to avoid moisture build up.

• Follow the directions that came with lighting decorations.

• Never use Indoor Extension Cords outside.

• Use UL-Listed, 3-Wire Grounded Cords that are plugged into GFCI Protected Receptacles only. Keep outdoor electrical connectors and cords above ground and out of water and snow. [link to GFCI info Page]

• Fasten the lights securely. Use insulated staples or support devices to hold the strands in place. Do not use nails, hooks or tacks which will damage the wire insulation.

• Unplug light strands before replacing any bulbs. Review the original package to verify proper wattage and voltage.

• When connecting light strands, make sure the receptacle and plug connection are under an area protected from moisture. Consult the directions.

• Never use electric lights or decorative ornaments on a metallic tree. Consider using colored spotlights instead. [link to outdoor decorative lighting]

Lighting Safety Preparation

More safety tips for all types of holiday lighting:

• Before you string outdoor lights, check for overhead power lines. Don't place yourself or any object in a position where you or it may come in contact with a power line—the result can be fatal. Look up before raising ladders or other objects. Keep at least 10 feet away from overhead lines.

• Make sure lights used to decorate the outside of the house are approved for outdoor use. Never use indoor lights outdoors.

• If stringing lights on outdoor trees, make sure tree limbs haven't grown into or near power lines. Branches or entire trees can become energized if they contact a power line.

• Check all light strands for cracked or broken plugs, frayed insulation, or bare wires. Worn cords can cause fires. Discard damaged sets of lights.

• Route cords inside your home so they won't trip anyone. Don't place them under rugs, furniture, or other appliances. If covered, cords can overheat or become frayed and can cause a fire.

• Follow the manufacturer's limits for number of strings that can safely be connected together.

• Always turn off tree and decorative lights—indoors and outdoors—when leaving the house and before going to bed.