Christmas Lights Dangers and Precautions

Christmas lights are a sign that Christmas is near and usually start appearing around Thanksgiving. Before you hang your lights this season be sure to check the dangers and protect yourself and your home from any danger they may cause.

Lead and Holiday Lights

You many or not have noticed that most Christmas lights now carry a lead warning on their package. All the packages of lights I purchased last year carried a warning of lead exposure on them. The lead is added to the coating material of the wires to make them heat resistance. Most of the packages say that handling the coated electrical wires expose you to lead and warn of care in handling them. Children should not handle lights with this warning and adults should be sure to wash their hands after handling the lights. This warning is called Prop 65 it is mandatory in California and all lights that are sold in California must have this warning if they contain lead. If your lights do not carry this warning it may not mean they do not carry lead it may be because they are not sold in California. Lights sold else where do not have to carry this warning.

Dangers while Hanging Lights

One of the most common emergency room accidents associated with Christmas lights are falls while hanging the lights. Some basic precautions while hanging lights are always a good idea. Never hang lights on the roof or using a ladder without another person near who will be able to call for help if it is needed. Always checks roofs for ice, snow or slick spots before walking on it. Another thing to check before hanging lights in the ladder you will be using. Be sure that the ladder is placed on a flat stable surface and is leaning against a stable structure.

Checking your Lights

Before hanging your lights always check for broken bulbs or worn wires. Checking your lights and untangling them is best done on ground level before you hang your lights. Broken bulbs may pose not only a fire hazard but may also cause cuts to whoever is handling the bulbs and may also damage whatever they hung on. Before plugging in your lights check the wires thoroughly for worn or exposed wires. Worn or Exposed wires are a risk for both fire and electrocution.

Bulb Size

The size of the bulbs you use is also very important. While large bulbs are not as popular anymore if you do use these be aware of the size of the bulbs you are using. The larger the bulb you use the hotter the bulb will get. You may want to check after lights are on for awhile to be sure there are no burns or damage to the surface the bulbs are placed on. Smaller lights are safer especially if used on a tree.

Christmas lights are a beautiful tradition but should be treated with care. A holiday decoration should never turn into a holiday tragedy.