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The holiday season is quickly approaching, and with it the time to put up festive lights, both indoors and outdoors, to enjoy along with the holiday season.

According to Electrical Safety Foundation International, nearly 90 percent of Americans decorate their homes as part of winter holidays. While holiday lighting does contribute to the joy, appeal and splendor of the season, using them without following important safety precautions can increase the risk of fires and electrical injuries.

ESFI recommends holiday safety steps to ensure you and your family are able to enjoy the season comfortably and worry-free:

  1. The best decorations are safe decorations, so when you’re decorating, make sure not to run cords under rugs or furniture.

  2. Always turn off your decorations when you leave your home and when you’re sleeping.

  3. Don’t overload outlets or extensions cords. If you’re using extension cords or adapters that add receptacles, consider having a qualified electrician add more outlets to your home.

  4. Only use electronics in dry areas. As tempting as it is, you just can’t decorate your aquarium with icicle lights.

  5. Every home needs a working smoke alarm in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level, including the basement.

  6. Inspect your decorations and discard any that are damaged or worn out. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, loose connections or frayed or bare wires. Plug light strings together as you inspect them but before hanging.

  7. ESFI recommends buying your family Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter breakers or outlets. Many electrical fires that occur every year could be prevented by AFCIs.