How to ensure your outside Christmas lights are safe

Many people's favorite Christmas tradition is creating an outdoor light display. Although these displays can be beautiful, they can also be dangerous. Each year hundreds of homes catch fire due to Christmas lights resulting in millions of dollars worth of damage, personal injuries and death.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Before you hang your lights check local wiring codes so that you can make sure your lights meet community requirements. Most communities have strict codes regarding outdoor lighting.

2. Use only lights and electrical equipment, such as extension cords, that have been approved by either the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Environmental Testing Laboratory (ETL). These labs test and verify electrical equipment and place their logos on the packaging.

3. Connect no more than three strings of lights to a single extension cord.

4. Use only Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) outlets.

5. If using underground wiring always use type UF (underground feed) cable and bury it 18 to 24 inches deep.

6. Use only Christmas lights that are designated for outdoor use. Indoor lights may not be able to withstand weather conditions.

7. Use mini Christmas lights instead of the larger seven volt bulbs. The larger bulbs burn much hotter and are therefore more porn to inadvertently begin fires.

8. If a bulb on your string of lights blows out replace it with a bulb of the exact same wattage.

9. Use insulated hooks to hang lights instead of nails, tacks or metal staples.