Holiday Light Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

By the Mercury Team

Holiday lights have a way of turning dark winter nights into something magical. From rooftops lined with twinkling bulbs to trees wrapped in colorful strands, a bright display brings warmth and cheer to the season. But before you plug in your lights, it’s important to think about safety. Faulty wiring, overloaded outlets, or wet conditions can quickly turn a festive display into a serious hazard.

In this post, we’ll walk you through simple holiday light safety tips to help make your home festive and safe all season long.

Why Holiday Light Safety Matters

Holiday lights make our homes feel warm and festive, but they can also pose real dangers if they’re used unsafely. Problems like frayed wires, overloaded outlets, and damaged cords can all lead to electrical fires or shocks.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments respond to an average of about 832 home structure fires each year that start with holiday decorations (not including Christmas trees). In fact, nearly one in four Christmas tree fires is caused by lamps or bulbs.

“Holiday decorating should be a fun tradition, not a safety hazard,” says Bonnie Lee, VP, Homeowners Claims for Mercury Insurance. “A few simple safety checks can help keep your home safe this holiday season.”

Choose the Right Lights for Indoors and Outdoors

Not all holiday lights are built the same. The safest way to start your holiday lights installation is by choosing products that are designed for where you’ll use them. Here are some things to consider:

• Always use UL-rated lights that are designated for either indoor, outdoor, or both.
• Opt for LED lights whenever possible. They’re energy-efficient and run cooler than traditional bulbs, which reduces the risk of house fires.
• Never use indoor-only sets outside. They aren’t built to handle weather or moisture.

Inspect Lights and Extension Cords Before Use

Before you hang a single strand, inspect all your holiday lights and extension cords. Even small damage can expose live wires and create a serious shock or fire hazard. Look for:

• Frayed wires
• Cracked sockets
• Loose connections
• Broken bulbs

If you find any damaged lights, throw them away. Don’t try to fix them yourself with tape or makeshift repairs. The risk simply isn’t worth it.

Also, for outdoor displays, use heavy-duty extension cords that are specifically rated for outdoor use. Indoor cords can overheat and fail when exposed to cold and moisture.

How to Install Outdoor Holiday Lights Safely

Hanging holiday lights is one of the most fun parts of decorating for the season, but it’s also where many safety mistakes happen. Follow these simple steps to make your holiday lights installation safer and easier.

Step 1: Plan Your Layout

Measure where you’ll hang lights and check that your outlets are within reach.

Step 2: Use Insulated Hooks or Clips

Skip nails or staples, as they can pierce wires and cause shorts. Use plastic or insulated light clips made for outdoor setups to keep cords secure and undamaged.

Step 3: Keep Cords Off the Ground

Avoid running cords through puddles, snow, or walkways. Use clips or stakes to keep cords elevated and dry to reduce tripping and shock risks.

Step 4: Plug Into GFCI Outlets

Always plug lights into a GFCI-protected outlet, which automatically cuts power if there’s an electrical fault.

Step 5: Test and Tidy Up

Once installed, plug everything in to check your work, secure any loose wires, and set a timer for automatic shutoff.

Avoid Overloading Circuits

Plugging too many light strands together is one of the most common mistakes people make during holiday decorating. Overloading cords or outlets can cause overheating, melted plastic, and potentially electrical fires. Consider these tips to avoid overloading circuits:

• Check the manufacturer’s guidelines on your light packaging. Most outdoor extension cords can safely support about four standard C7 light strands.
• If you need to run more lights, use multiple cords and spread the load across different outlets.
• Make it a habit to unplug your lights before leaving home or going to bed. This will save energy and help reduce fire risk while you’re away or asleep.

Secure Lights Against Weather Conditions

Winter weather can be tough on outdoor lights. Wind, rain, and snow can damage connections and loosen displays if they’re not properly secured. Here’s what you can do to protect your lights:

• Use weather-resistant clips and connectors designed for outdoor use. These are built to withstand moisture and temperature changes.
• Fasten lights tightly to prevent them from coming loose during storms or high winds.
• Consider using timers or smart plugs to control your lights automatically. This lets you turn your lights on and off automatically without stepping out into the cold, and helps keep things safe by making sure they don’t stay on longer than they should.

Ladder and Roof Safety Tips

Aside from electrical risks, falls are another common cause of holiday decorating injuries. If your light display means climbing a ladder or getting up on the roof, take a few extra precautions to keep yourself safe while you decorate.

Set Up on Solid, Level Ground

Avoid setting your ladder on uneven soil, slick grass, or icy patches. Before you climb, make sure your ladder is on flat, sturdy ground.

Pick the Right Ladder Height

Use a ladder tall enough that you don’t have to stretch or stand on the top rung. Overreaching is one of the easiest ways to lose your balance during holiday light installation.

Work with a Helper

Having a friend or family member nearby makes things safer. They can hand you lights, keep the ladder steady, and spot hazards while you focus on hanging decorations.

Skip Bad Weather Days

If it’s windy, raining, or icy, save the decorating for another day. Wet or slippery surfaces make falls far more likely. Wait for dry, clear weather to finish your display safely.

After the Holidays: Safe Light Removal and Storage

Once the holidays are over, taking your lights down safely is just as important as installing them correctly. Plus, it’ll make next year’s decorating so much easier. Here’s what to consider:

Unplug Before You Start

Always disconnect lights before handling them. Even LEDs can carry a charge when plugged in, especially if the cords are damp.

Take Your Time

Resist the urge to tug or pull strands down. That can damage both the lights and your home’s siding or gutters. Work slowly from top to bottom, removing clips or hooks one at a time.

Check As You Go

As you take lights down, look for broken bulbs, frayed wires, or cracked sockets. Toss any damaged strands instead of packing them away. It’s not worth the risk next season.

Store Neatly and Safely

Wrap each strand around a reel, a piece of cardboard, or a storage spool to prevent tangles. Store everything in a cool, dry place (like a plastic bin with a lid) to keep moisture and critters out. Label each set (like “front porch” or “roofline”) so next year’s setup is a breeze.

Keep the Holidays Bright and Safe

A beautiful light display can make your home shine all season long, but safety should always come first. With just a few simple precautions, you can enjoy a bright, festive home without worrying about electrical hazards or falls.

But if the unexpected ever happens, having the right homeowners insurance gives you extra peace of mind. During the holidays and all year long, Mercury Insurance offers reliable coverage that helps protect your home and everything in it.

Contact us today for a fast, free quote!