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Holidays. This word comes and means gearing up to deck the halls with lots of festive lights, extra electronics, and friends and family filling your home.

With the increased electrical usage of the season, it’s essential to take time and do some electrical safety checks before the celebrations begin. An overlooked outlet or worn cord could damage your celebrations or pose a fire hazard.

Let’s review a few things you’ll want to inspect to stay safe and merry this holiday season.

Inspect Extension Cords and Power Strips

Take a look at any extension cords or power strips you plan to use for holiday decorations and electronics. Check them for cracks, loose connections, or exposed wires – these could cause shorts.

Extension cords are meant for temporary use, so if yours look worn down, it may be time for an upgrade. Bundle up any cords that will cross walkways to prevent trips. Opt for heavy-duty outdoor-rated cords if stringing lights outside.

Also, avoid overloading outlets using multiple power strips rather than just stringing extra devices onto one strip or outlet.

Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

This time of year, we often have more in the kitchen with cooking and baking, more lit candles, and higher electric loads that increase fire risk. Make sure the batteries in all your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are fresh, and test each one.

Replacing batteries at least once a year and testing monthly helps ensure they’ll alert you if there’s a problem during your festivities. Spend time checking, and you’ll feel more at ease having guests and family at home.

Inspect Your Christmas Tree Lights

If putting up a fresh tree, examine the lights strand by strand before hanging them. Check for loose bulb connections, broken or cracked sockets, and exposed or frayed wires, and throw out any damaged sets. It’s not worth the risk to use faulty lights that could cause a fire.

If reusing lights from past years, do the same inspections and make sure they’re UL-listed. Once on the tree, step back and look for any warm spots, sparks or the smell of anything burning. Some older lights may need retiring if they show signs of issues. It’s better to be safe than sorry where fire hazards are concerned.

Keep Appliances Clear And Grounded

With all the cooking and baking planned for parties and gatherings, be sure appliances have adequate clearance of at least 1 foot all around for ventilation. Piled-up clutter and combustibles nearby are major no-nos. Also, make sure they are connected to a grounded 3-prong outlet to prevent shocks.

Replace appliances that are more than ten years old and not in good condition. Something as simple as a malfunctioning toaster could literally put a damper on a festive gathering.

Secure Holiday Décor Safely

From stockings to wreaths on the wall, get creative with seasonal accents. Just be sure anything hung is securely fastened and won’t fall if bumped into, especially above heat sources like fireplaces or ranges.

Curious pets or toddlers may also pull down anything within reach. Opt for battery-operated tea lights and candles rather than open-flame versions, which pose a serious fire risk if unattended or knocked over.

Use caution with plants like holly and mistletoe, which can cause allergic reactions or irritation for some. Enjoy your décor while staying aware of safety.

Conclusion

Take these basic precautions before lighting up your home for the holidays and bringing in loved ones. A little prevention goes a long way to safe and stress-free celebrations. Focus on spending quality time with friends and family rather than on hazards. Your home’s electrical system and appliances just need a quick once-over to ensure everything stays merry and bright!

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