It’s that time of year again! Soon, we’ll be hanging stockings, shopping for gifts, sharing magical stories around the fireplace, and—of course—putting up Christmas lights. Here in Pensacola, Florida, where the average temperature in December is in the 60s and palm trees are everywhere, it can be hard to get into the holiday spirit. That’s why decorating with Christmas lights becomes even more important to spread cheer!
Why Christmas Light Safety Matters in Pensacola, FL
Most of us rarely think about the safety risks of holiday decorations. However, according to the National Fire Protection Association, about 790 home structure fires per year start with holiday decorations. More than 40% of these fires are caused by electrical distribution or lighting equipment. Additionally, thousands of injuries occur from falls while hanging Christmas lights or from electric shocks and burns. Tragically, hundreds of small children also suffer injuries from chewing on or swallowing small light bulbs.
This year, before you dig out your decorations, take a moment to review our safety tips to keep your holidays safe and joyful.
Top Christmas Light Safety Tips
1. Don’t Use Broken Bulbs and Replace Missing Bulbs A broken or missing bulb can lead to fire, electric shock, or injuries. Always replace damaged or missing bulbs before hanging lights. You can find replacement bulbs at local home improvement stores in Pensacola.
2. Switch to LED Christmas Lights If you’re still using traditional incandescent lights, it’s time to make the switch to LED. These lights use light-emitting diodes instead of filaments, making them safer since they don’t get hot to the touch. LED lights are also more energy-efficient, durable, and long-lasting.
3. Use the Right Ladder for Hanging Lights When decorating your home, always use a wooden or fiberglass ladder to prevent electrical shocks. Metal ladders can conduct electricity, posing a severe risk. Also, keep ladders and decorations away from overhead power lines.
4. Only Use Lights With the UL Seal Always check for the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) seal on your Christmas lights. Red UL marks mean they are safe for indoor and outdoor use, while green UL marks indicate indoor-only use. Choosing UL-rated lights ensures you’re using products that meet safety standards.
5. Choose the Right Extension Cord Use heavy-duty extension cords labeled for outdoor use when hanging decorations outside. Never overload cords—limit to three sets of lights per cord.
6. Use GFCI Surge Protectors Plug your holiday lights into circuits protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI). These outlets will shut off the power if too much current flows through, reducing the risk of electric shock and fire.
7. Avoid Nails and Tacks Instead of using nails or tacks to secure cords, opt for clips specifically designed for hanging holiday lights. These can be found at local hardware stores in Pensacola.
8. Prevent Tripping Hazards Secure cords with anchoring pins or ground staples to avoid accidents. Place decorations and cords in low-traffic areas.
Christmas Tree Safety Tips
Whether you choose an artificial or live tree, safety should come first. Make sure artificial trees are labeled as fire-resistant. If buying a live tree, select one that is fresh—dry, shedding needles are a red flag. Once set up, keep your tree away from fireplaces and other heat sources. Regularly water live trees to prevent them from drying out.
Lastly, Hire a Professional Holiday Decorating Company
Finally, you can save yourself the headache and turmoil by hiring a professional company such as the experienced team at Lawn Master. We have been in the national Christmas Décor Franchise providing holiday decorating services and professional Christmas light installation for residences and businesses in the Pensacola area since 1998. Our staff has gone through extensive training at the national level, and are up-to-date on all of the latest trends and safety techniques. When you partner with Lawn Master for your professional holiday decorating in Pensacola, you receive:
• A custom design
• Efficient installation
• Proactive in-season maintenance. This means if one bulb goes out, we will replace it
• Timely postseason removal of lights and décor
• Storage of lights and décor until next year
During this hectic season, why spend your time decorating? Hire professionals who have the proper equipment, trained staff, and modern state-of-the-art decorations, which is sure to make your neighbors green with envy. Give us a call today. You can reach us at 850-476-1601 or through our online contact us form here.
For more tips and ideas on lawn care, and tree and shrub care, check out our other monthly blog articles.