About Edwards & Patterson Law

One of the most fun and festive parts of Christmas decorating is putting up Christmas lights. Unfortunately, they can also be dangerous! To make sure that your lights are a joy and not a hazard, consider following our Christmas decorating safety tips.

1. Examine your lights before using.

Look over the cords and bulbs and discard any strands of lights that have frayed cords, loose connections or cracked lamp holders. Replace old lights with safer LED lights.

2. Try insulated hooks for hanging.

Using tacks, nails, or screws to hang lights is risky. They can puncture the cord and become electrified. Instead, use insulated hooks to hang your lights.

3. Turn lights off when away.

If you are leaving the house or going to bed, unplug the Christmas tree and indoor and outdoor lights so that you are not leaving lights on unattended.

4. Check for overheating.

Periodically check your lights to make sure the cord is not overheating. Unplug immediately if a cord seems too hot.

5. Secure loose cords.

Make sure that your extension cords and other lighting cords are secure and out of the way in order to prevent slip and fall accidents.

6. Don’t leave the tree thirsty.

If you are using a real tree, make sure you keep it hydrated so that it is less of a fire hazard. Place it away from objects that give off heat, like a fireplaces, radiators, television sets, etc.

7. Never use actual candles in your tree.

It may seem like a romantic, old-fashioned touch, but putting lit candles in your tree is a major fire hazard and will not end well.

8. Secure any other candles.

If you use lit candles elsewhere in your decorating, put them in sturdy, non-flammable candle holders, and away from flammable materials like curtains, drapes, tablecloths, and decorations. Also make sure that your candles are out of reach of children.

For a fun alternative or addition to your holiday lights, check out the city of McAlester’s Christmas Tree Lighting event. Merry Christmas from Edwards & Patterson Law, and may your holidays be merry and safe!

For more tips on staying safe, see the Personal Injury Blog of the McAlester, OK law firm Edwards & Patterson Law.

The firm was founded by Tony Edwards and Matthew Patterson in 2015. Together, they have decades of legal experience helping those in need.