The holiday season brings extra cheer, and extra electrical load. Between space heaters, festive lighting, and all the gadgets keeping your home cozy for guests, it’s easy to forget that those little touches can add up. Before you plug in and power up, make sure you’re keeping safety front and center.
Here are a few simple tips to help keep your home merry, bright, and hazard-free.
1. Keep Your Tree Safe & Hydrated
If you’re bringing home a real Christmas tree, make sure it stays well-watered. A dry tree can quickly become a fire hazard, especially when paired with string lights.
Consider upgrading to LED holiday lights. They use less energy, stay cooler, and are generally safer for both your tree and your home.
2. Don’t Overload Your Outlets
We’ve all laughed at the overloaded outlet scenes in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and A Christmas Story, but in real life, that kind of setup can be extremely dangerous. Plugging too many cords into a single outlet can trip a breaker, damage equipment, or even spark an electrical fire.
If you have a lot of decorations or rely on space heaters, use a quality surge protector and distribute the load across multiple circuits whenever possible.
3. Turn Off Lights When You’re Away
Avoid leaving lights on overnight or when no one’s home. Before plugging anything in, inspect cords for cracks, frays, or exposed wiring, and don’t run cords under rugs or furniture where heat can build up.
Skip the nails and tacks when hanging lights. Damage to the cord can cause shocks or sparks, so keep cords free, clear, and in open space.
4. Watch Out for Curious Pets
Pets love exploring the Christmas tree but chewing on cords or tugging on decorations can quickly become dangerous. Check cords for bite marks and make sure your tree is secured so it can’t be knocked over by an enthusiastic cat or dog.
Need a Hand This Holiday Season?
If you’re unsure about the safety of your home’s electrical setup or have a project you’d like professionally handled, Wescom is here to help. From inspections to repairs, our team of employee-owners is committed to keeping your home safe during the holidays and all year long.
Check out our list of services here: Services » Wescom Inc.
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