An American Holiday Tradition, With Dangerous Consequences

Christmas lights twinkling across houses are a beloved symbol of the holiday season in America. However, the festive tradition of decorating with lights can come with a hidden danger: injuries. While stringing lights might seem like a harmless activity, falls from ladders, electrical mishaps, and even fires can turn a joyous occasion into a trip to the emergency room. 

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), they estimate there are: 

• 14,700- holiday decorating-related ER-treated injuries while hanging Christmas lights. That’s an average of about 240 injuries per day during the holiday season of November and December!
• The most frequent holiday decorating incidents involved falls (41%), lacerations (10%), and back strains (5%).
• 3 deaths involving ladder falls.

A significant portion of these injuries stem from falls while balancing on ladders or roofs. 

Electrical hazards pose another threat. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that an average of 770 fires are caused by Christmas lights every year. Faulty wiring, overloaded outlets, and using indoor lights outdoors can all create a fire risk.

So how can you minimize these risks and ensure a safe and festive holiday season? Here are some key safety tips:

• Ladder Safety: Always use a sturdy, properly-sized ladder with slip-resistant feet. Ensure someone is spotting you while you climb.
• Light Selection: Inspect lights before use for frayed wires, loose bulbs, or damaged sockets. expand_more Only use lights certified for indoor or outdoor use as appropriate.
• Electrical Safety: Don’t overload extension cords, and avoid plugging multiple sets of lights into a single cord. expand_more Look for lights with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection.
• Weatherproofing: When decorating outdoors, use lights specifically designed for outdoor use and ensure all connections are weatherproofed. expand_more 

By following these safety precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and keep your holidays merry and bright. Remember, taking your time and prioritizing safety is the best way to ensure a happy holiday season for everyone involved.

LUMOS Home Lighting, LLC offers a permanent holiday lighting solution for Utah homes all year round so you’ll never need to hang lights again or put your health in danger’s way! Learn more @ LUMOShomelighting.com or give us a call for a free quote: (801) 360-4544.