Decorating your home with lights can cause an electrical fire hazard if not done carefully. The Hartford, an insurance and financial services company, offers some valuable suggestions on safe outdoor illumination.
- Do not overload electric outlets with too many electrical devices or extension cords.
- Carefully examine all Christmas tree lights and other electrical decorations for fraying or loose connections.
- Use only safety-lab approved (UL listings) indoor and outdoor lights.
- To fasten lights to rooflines, use insulated staples. Nails or tacks can short wires and spark a fire.
- Do not use indoor lights on trees outside.
- Use only heavy-duty extension cords that are designed for outdoor use. Plug them into grounded exterior outlets only.
About the Author
EHS Today Staff
EHS Today's editorial staff includes:
Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.
Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.
Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor: Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.