This month’s blog features 5-holiday lighting tips to keep your family safe this holiday season. Did you know that one out of three Christmas tree fires is caused by preventable issues? According, to the U.S. Fire Administration that’s the reality each holiday season. This information should serve as a stark warning to homeowners in the Denver metro area, especially to those who love to light up their homes with twinkling lights.
Tip #1 Avoid Overloading
If you plan to put up lots of lights this year, this electrical tip is for you. Do NOT overload extension cords, and make sure light strands are distributed through multiple cords. Remember, your extension cord has a wattage limit. Do NOT exceed the wattage limit. Exceeding its wattage rating could cause overheating and might put your home at grave risk.
Tip #2 Check Labels
Christmas lights should be examined and verified by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to ensure safety and prevent fire or electrical hazards in your home. UL is a third-party organization that sets standards for different product categories and tests them to ensure they meet the safety requirements. Always check the labels and purchase ONLY the UL-labeled decorative lights.
Tip #3 Use Indoor/Outdoor Lights Appropriately
It is important to note that Christmas lights come in two types—outdoor and indoor lights. When you try to hang lights outside your home, make sure they are designed specifically for that purpose.
Tip #4 Give Your Lights a Break
It’s not wise to leave Christmas lights on at all times. Yes, they may look joyful and alive, but they can also cause a dramatic rise in your energy bills and, worse, safety issues when left on for a long time. Unplug all the lights before you go to sleep or when you leave for a holiday vacation.
Tip #5 Choose Fire-Resistant Trees
Fire-resistant artificial trees can resist burning much longer than conventional trees. Choosing the right material for your Christmas decorations will help keep your holiday celebrations a safer one. So be sure to buy only a fire-resistant tree and safe-to-use holiday materials for your decorations.
Christmas will be as holly-jolly as you expect when you celebrate safely. Follow these electrical safety tips to keep your holiday season merry and bright.
If you do run into a problem or have a question, our maintenance team will be happy to assist you. review our Tenant FAQs or reach out, we’d be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Whether you’re thinking about buying an investment property or looking for some creative solutions that will solve current rental problems, Walters & Company Property Management is here to help. We have a reputation for meeting and exceeding expectations, we are leaders in the Denver property management field and offer top-notch rental properties in highly coveted areas and we’re always happy to talk more about our rental properties, our application requirements, and our leasing process.