Nothing puts you in the festive spirit more than having your home all decorated for Christmas. But if not put up correctly, Christmas decorations can become a safety hazard. Here are our top tips for decorating safely this Christmas.

Look after your lights

Lights are the main culprit when it comes to festive fire hazards. Always check your lights carefully before putting them up. Look out for cracks, faults or frays in the wiring and do not use them if you find any problems – it is always better to replace them than attempting to repair them. If you do have to replace bulbs, however, be sure to use only the same type and rating as the originals and never attempt to do it while the lights are switched on. Ensure your lights have been certified with the European Standards Symbol and the British Kitemark, meaning they have been safety tested. Only use outdoor lights that are certified safe for use outdoors. Try not to use extension leads, but if you do, avoid overloading them. It may also be worth getting an electrician to install a special outdoor socket for exterior lights if you do not already have one. This will be weatherproof and waterproof and can reduce your risk of fire.

 Hang lights safely

Never hammer nails or hooks into electrical cables to hang lights. Opt instead to attach them using removable clips. Make sure no wires are left hanging around where they could become a trip hazard and always ensure outdoor decorations are placed far away from overhead power lines. Keep indoor lights away from curtains, furniture, presents and your Christmas tree’s water reservoir, and always ensure lights are switched off when you are not at home and during the night. Pay special attention to where your lights are positioned as they can become dangerous when heat is trapped. Please don’t hesitate to contact MK Electrics if you need to upgrade your home’s electrical systems.