Christmas Lights and Christmas Tree Safety Tips
Getting the right equipment to make your holiday vision come to life is the first step! When purchasing items or updating your decor keep these things in mind to ensure a safe and beautiful holiday.
- Consider LED lights instead of incandescent lights: Although LEDs are often more expensive, they give off very little heat making them a much safer option. Plus, they last up to 25x longer and use 75% less electricity making the investment worth it.
- Be cautious of candles: While candles certainly add a certain magic to the atmosphere of your home, they are not a safe option. Ensure any lit candles are out of reach of any children and pets as well as other things like wrapping paper or curtains. There are many great flameless candle options out there to get the same effect in your decor without the risk.
- Metallic trees are best displayed without lights: These beautiful trees can make a great choice for your decor, but if you choose to go with an aluminum or tinsel tree, it’s best to avoid electric lights or decorations. Electric accessories on these trees could actually charge the tree and shock anyone that touches it.
- Real trees require extra attention: If your family opts for a real tree, be prepared to care for it to ensure it remains a safe part of your holiday decor. Christmas trees are the leading cause of house fires during the holidays. To avoid a fire, buy a fresh tree and keep it watered throughout the holiday season. Once the tree dries out it is time to discard it.
Safety Tips for Indoor & Outdoor Christmas Light Installation
Once you have your equipment, proper installation will give you peace of mind as you enjoy your holiday festivities. Check out these additional tips as you’re setting up to keep your investment jolly and bright.
- Limit lights to three strands per outlet: While this can vary depending on wattage and the maximum capacity of your circuit, a great rule of thumb is that each outlet should have no more than three strands of lights connected to it. You can consider a power strip with a built-in circuit breaker for extra protection.
- Utilize lights where they are meant to be used: It may seem cost effective to use indoor lights for your home’s exterior, but this is a big safety risk. Outdoor lights have special sealing for moisture making them safe for the winter season. Check your lights before you put them up and if you’re unsure, play it safe and purchase new lights for any outdoor use.
- Fasten outdoor lights securely: All outdoor lights should be firmly secured to a sturdy object such as walls or trees to avoid them coming loose and risking electrical hazards. If you have children or pets, also ensure wires are out of reach to avoid accidental electrocution and keep your little loved ones safe!
Local Ohio Christmas Light Displays
Now that you’re set and up-to-date on the most important safety tips, it’s time for some inspiration! Our area has many beautiful lighting displays, so we’ve compiled a few of our favorites. Whether it’s around the corner, or an excuse for a fun day trip, we hope you enjoy the beauty of these Christmas displays by holiday lighting pros!
- Brick House Lights on Main: 529 E. Main Street, Gnadenhutten, OH 44629
Christmas light display synchronized to music. Tune your radio to 96.3 FM. - Large Inflatable Christmas Display: 415 N. Bridge Street, Newcomerstown, OH 43832
Around 140 inflatables this year, plus lights and music. - Wachtel’s Christmas Light Display: 13079 Township Road 503, Big Prairie, OH 44611
Started 66 years ago, this light display has grown every year. More than 100,000 bulbs, 90 spotlights, and 400 different figures. - Guernsey County Courthouse: 801 Wheeling Avenue, Cambridge, OH 43725
Built in 1881, the antique courthouse is transformed as 30,000 lights are synchronized with holiday music to create a spectacular display you won’t want to miss. - Wonderlights Christmas: Hartford County Fairgrounds, 14028 Fairgrounds Road, Croton, OH 43013
You’ll find 2 miles of lights synchronized to old and new holiday tunes. The lights include several drive-through tunnels, floating snowflakes, dancing candy canes and lollipops, and gorgeous giant Christmas trees. - Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights: Alum Creek State Park Campground, 3311 S. Old State Road, Delaware, OH 43015
This 3 mile drive-through display features tons of twinkling LED lights and animated displays wound through the Alum Creek State Park Campground. Stop for cocoa and a picture with Santa just down the road. Visit butchbandosfantasyoflights.com for more info and tickets.
About Ianniello Insurance Agency
Ianniello Insurance Agency is Northeast Ohio’s premier provider of auto insurance, life insurance, home insurance, agribusiness insurance, farm insurance, business insurance and health insurance. Ianniello Insurance Agency is an IRMI certified Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist.
You can count on our personalized service to meet your needs. We take our time to ensure there are no gaps in your coverage. We proudly serve Coshocton, Holmes, and Tuscarawas Counties. Get in touch today for a quote and follow us on Facebook to stay in touch!
