After a season filled with friends, family, and fun, the tinsel is unstrung, and decorations are put away. Here are some post-holiday tips to help you stay safe for another season.
Holiday decorations are meant for temporary use. Leaving your decorations up for extended periods leaves wires unnecessarily exposed to the elements, which can decrease a product’s shelf life and increase the risk of electrical hazards.
With time, Christmas trees continue to dry out, making them increasingly flammable. Trees decorated with holiday lights pose an increased risk because they’re in direct contact with an electrical source. Check with your community to find a recycling program through which you can dispose of your tree early in the new year.
Always unplug decorations by using the plug or other gripping area. Pulling on the cord could damage the wire and present a shock or fire hazard.
As you take down holiday lights, inspect the wiring and discard any that have cracked, frayed or otherwise damaged wire insulation.
Label and store indoor decorations separately from those intended for outdoor use.
Store electrical decorations in a dry area that is not accessible to children or pets.