Over the weekend, Christmas tree lights started a home fire in Seattle causing over $100,000 in damage. Unfortunately, this is the time of year when the fire department responds to more fires involving decorative lights.
Be mindful of festive lights this month and take a few steps to ensure your holidays are safe.
How to handle those holiday lights
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets for both indoor and outdoor lights.
- Limit connecting of holiday lights to 3 strands.
- Do not use frayed, broken or worn string lights.
- Use low wattage mini lights at 2.5-watts or energy efficient LED bulbs, which operate at a cool-to-the-touch temperature.
- Always unplug tree lights before leaving home or going to sleep.
Watch this video on Christmas tree and lights safety.
Seasonal Safety Tips: Christmas Tree & Lights Safety video from the Seattle Channel
And finally, make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are working. To learn more about the Seattle Fire Department’s free smoke/CO alarm program, visit us online.