Choose the Right Lights for the Right Purpose:
Not all holiday lights are created equal, and it’s essential to choose the right type for your specific decoration needs. Outdoor lights should be labeled as suitable for exterior use, as they are designed to withstand the elements. Indoor lights often do not have the same level of weather resistance and using them outdoors is asking for problems. Additionally, be mindful of using lights for their intended location. Some lights are specifically designed for trees, while others are more suitable for decorating the house or other outdoor spaces.

Mindful Electrical Load:
Overloading electrical circuits is a common cause of holiday light-related fires. If your lights trip your breaker, find out why before you continue using them. Additionally, you should be mindful of the electrical load when decorating and avoid connecting too many light strands to a single outlet. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the maximum number of lights that can be safely connected. If needed, consider using extension cords or power strips with built-in overload protection to ensure a safe electrical setup. Do not use indoor extension cords or power strips outdoors. You may also want to consider using LED lights, as they consume less power and generate less heat than traditional incandescent lights.

Proper Outdoor Installation:
When decorating the exterior of your home, ensure that outdoor lights are securely fastened and protected from the elements. Use clips or hangers designed for outdoor use to secure lights to the roofline, gutters, or trees. Avoid using nails or staples, as they can damage the wires and increase the risk of electrical issues. Keep electrical connections and extension cords off the ground to prevent water damage and use weatherproof covers for outdoor outlets to protect against rain and snow.

Turn Off Lights When Unattended:
A simple yet effective safety measure is to turn off holiday lights when you are not at home or when everyone is asleep. This reduces the risk of electrical issues going unnoticed and provides an extra layer of protection. Consider using programmable timers to automate the turning on and off of lights. Timers not only enhance safety but also can save you on your electricity bills by not running the holiday lights all the time.

Regularly Check for Overheating:
During the holiday season, lights may be left on for extended periods. Regularly check for signs of overheating, such as lights that are hot to the touch or flickering. If you notice any issues, immediately turn off the lights and if able unplug them. Ultimately, you will want to replace malfunctioning lights. Overheating can lead to wire damage and increase the risk of fires.

Secure Lights Away from Flammable Materials:
While this may seem obvious, when you are decorating a space be aware of what else is nearby. Keep all lights away from flammable materials, including fireplaces. You should also keep lights away from curtains, drapes, bedding, or any other combustible decorations. Ensuring a safe distance between lights and flammable materials reduces the risk of accidental ignition and protects you and your home or business from fire and smoke damage.

Store Lights Properly:
After the holiday season, store your lights properly to maintain their condition and prevent damage. Avoid crumpling or bending wires, as this can lead to breaks and exposed wiring. Use dedicated storage containers or reels designed for lights to prevent tangling and protect them from dust and moisture. Proper storage not only prolongs the life of your lights but also ensures their safety when used in subsequent holiday seasons.

Decorating with lights adds a magical touch to holiday festivities and brightens this dark time of year. Prioritizing safety when using holiday lights is critical to ensure that the season remains focused on family and friends and not recovering from a fire. You can significantly reduce the risk of fires caused by holiday decorations by following the above recommendations and being a bit extra cautious.

Accredited claims adjusters are instrumental in helping policyholders navigate the complex process of assessing fire damage and ultimately recovering from the loss, even during the holiday season. Their expertise in evaluating the potential cause, structural damage, personal property loss, and secondary damages such as smoke and water damage is crucial in ensuring that policyholders receive fair compensation. By carefully documenting the damage, collaborating with experts, and understanding policy terms, accredited claims adjusters play a vital role in helping individuals and businesses recover from the devastating effects of a fire. With their assistance, policyholders can take the first step toward rebuilding their lives and properties after a fire disaster.

For more information on how to earn your 6-20 ACA designation and join this growing field, we invite you to call our Clermont, Florida office at 1-800-309-2549 or read more about the accredited claims adjuster certification process on our website. Beyond our ACA courses, we have partnerships that allow our students to continue learning the proper ways to handle claims and continue to grow your career.

In Florida, once you earn your 6-20 accredited claims adjuster designation, you can apply to the state for your all-lines adjuster license. This will enable you to work on home insurance claims, auto and RV insurance claims and property insurance claims. You would have the flexibility to work as a staff claims adjuster or an independent insurance adjuster.

Even if you move out of the state of Florida or your practice takes you out of state, Florida has a reciprocity agreement with other states within the U.S. Individuals who obtain their Florida license are eligible to work in 34 of the 37 states across the U.S. that require an adjuster license.