December in Louisiana has its own kind of charm. The air feels crisp, neighborhoods glow with colorful lights, and every street feels alive with the spirit of the season.
But while decorating brings plenty of joy, it’s important to stay mindful of safety. Simple mistakes can lead to electrical problems, fires, or injuries that can easily be avoided.
This checklist gives homeowners useful steps to hang and maintain Christmas lights safely.
Plan Before You Plug In
Before unpacking your holiday lights, take time to inspect your home’s setup. Walk around your property and locate all available outlets.
Check each one for loose fittings, cracks, or signs of damage. Plan how many extension cords you’ll need and where they should go to prevent tangled wires or overloaded circuits later.
Use only extension cords that are rated for outdoor use. Indoor cords aren’t designed to handle moisture, temperature changes, or Louisiana’s humidity, which can lead to shorts or electrical fires.
The same rule applies to surge protectors. If several light strands will share one outlet, choose a weatherproof power strip that’s approved for outdoor conditions.
Louisiana’s damp air and frequent rain mean your electrical setup will almost certainly get wet, so make sure every component is built to handle it.
Check Every Strand
Take a few minutes to test every strand of lights before you start decorating. Plug them in and look for burned-out bulbs, flickering sections, or frayed wires.
Any strand with visible damage should be replaced right away. Using worn or faulty lights increases the risk of electrical shorts or fires.
Always check for the UL mark on the box or tag. This certification shows that the lights meet recognized safety standards.
After your lights have been plugged in for a few minutes, run your hand along the strand to check for heat. If any part feels warm or hot, unplug it immediately. Overheating is a clear warning sign that the wiring isn’t safe.
Read more: How to Prevent Fires Within Your Home
Weatherproof Your Holiday Lights
Louisiana weather can change fast. One day feels like spring, and the next brings rain, wind, or sudden temperature drops. Your decorations need to handle all of it, so make sure every strand is secure.
Use sturdy clips or hooks that can resist wind and keep lights from shifting or falling. Avoid hanging lights loosely on branches or railings, since they can move or break during a storm.
Keep every electrical connection elevated and away from moisture. Water from puddles, wet grass, or morning dew can cause short circuits or electrical shocks.
Wrap plugs and connectors with waterproof electrical tape or use weatherproof covers made for outdoor outlets to keep your lights working safely and prevent water from seeping into exposed wiring.
Safe Setup and Hanging
Ladders and wet ground are a bad mix. Before setting up your ladder, make sure the ground is completely dry and level. If it’s rained recently, wait until the area dries out to avoid slipping.
When you’re up on the ladder, keep your movements steady and controlled. If you need to reach farther, climb down and move the ladder instead of stretching into an unsafe position.
Avoid using nails or staples to hang your lights. They can pierce the insulation around wires and cause electrical shorts, shocks, or fires. Use plastic clips made for holiday lights instead.
They’re affordable, easy to find, and keep your decorations secure without damaging your home or your light strands.
Indoor Safety Counts Too
It’s easy to focus on the outdoor display and overlook what’s happening inside, but indoor lighting needs the same level of care. Keep lights away from curtains, furniture, and other flammable materials.
Even small bulbs can get hot enough to start a fire if they’re too close to fabric. Avoid running cords under rugs or behind heavy furniture where they can fray or overheat without you noticing.
Read more: Ways to Keep Your Home Safe While You’re Away This Holiday Season
Keep Your Home Protected
Safety should always come first, but reliable homeowners’ insurance adds an extra layer of protection during the holidays. Even with the best precautions, accidents can still happen. The right coverage ensures you’re protected if something unexpected occurs.
Our local insurance team can review your current policy, explain what’s included, and help identify any gaps in coverage.
We have insurance offices in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Franklin, Abbeville, and Lutcher to assist homeowners across Louisiana. We also provide auto, motorcycle, recreational vehicle, business insurance, and more.
Contact us today for a free quote and start the new year confident that your home and family are protected.
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