Holiday lights and displays add warmth to the season and make a home feel welcoming, but anything that runs on electricity needs a little care. Fire incidents rise in winter, and many come from decorations that are left on when no one is around.
A few small habits can prevent trouble later. The items below are the ones that should always be switched off before you step out or call it a night.
1. A Real Christmas Trees
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
A real tree looks beautiful, yet it dries out quickly and becomes easier to ignite as the weeks go by. Even newer lights with cooler bulbs can cause issues if the wiring is worn. NFPA reports, 155 home fires annually are caused by Christmas trees, with real trees being three times more likely to ignite than artificial ones.
It takes very little for dry needles to catch fire, so it is safer to unplug the lights whenever the room is empty. Artificial trees are usually treated to resist flame, but a live tree needs more attention.
Quick Tips
- Unplug every time you leave or sleep
- Keep the tree watered each day
- Check light strands for loose bulbs or cracked cords
- Use a simple timer if you tend to forget
2. String Lights
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
String lights appear on mantels, stair rails, porches, trees, and shrubs. They are harmless when used for a few hours, but problems start when they run nonstop. Long use can warm the wiring, and any damaged section raises the chance of a spark near curtains, paper decorations, or dry outdoor plants.
LED lights help reduce heat, but do not remove all risk. Older extension cords and overloaded outlets add to the problem.
Quick tips
- Turn them off whenever you head out
- Look over each cord for wear before hanging
- Avoid connecting more strands than the package allows
- Choose outdoor-rated lights and cords for outside displays
3. Lawn Inflatables
Image Credit: Melissa Herzog / Shutterstock.
Large inflatables rely on small motors and fans that sit outdoors through cold, wet weather. Continuous use strains the motor and exposes the wiring to moisture.
Giving them downtime protects the equipment and lowers the chance of a short circuit. It also helps them last longer, which matters if you use the same decorations every year.
Quick tips
- Switch them off when you are away or overnight
- Use GFCI outlets for anything outdoors
- Keep cord connections covered so they stay dry
- Anchor the inflatables well, so the wind does not damage them
4. Window Candles and Other Plug-in Decor
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Electric candles, lit wreaths, and miniature villages create a classic holiday look, but many of them use light wiring that can heat up after long hours of use.
If a piece tips over and touches fabric, the heat can build quickly. It is safer to unplug these smaller items when no one is home and to check how warm they feel during use. Anything that runs hotter than usual should be replaced.
Quick tips
- Unplug when the room is empty
- Check for unusual warmth at the base of each item
- Place them on steady surfaces away from curtains or paper
- Inspect cords each year before setting up
Simple Habits That Protect Your Home
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
With a few simple habits, you can enjoy your decorations without worry. Taking a moment to unplug the items above keeps your home safer throughout the season and helps your displays last from one holiday to the next.