The holidays are ramping up and one of the most enjoyable parts of the holiday season is decorating your home with brightly-colored lights and festive decorations.

If you’re not careful, however, hanging up lights across your roof and home can be dangerous so be sure to take these tips from our Allstate insurance center in Hawthorne and Santa Monica into consideration before you dazzle the neighbors with your grand light show.

Check For Cracks Or Damage Before Stringing Up Lights

While it’s nice to re-use previous decorations or pass down family heirlooms, old string lights from years ago can be cracked or damaged. Take care to carefully check them for frayed ends or loose connections before decorating your home.

Don’t Overload Extension Cords

You may be tempted to overload extension cords when up on the rooftop stringing lights, but according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, you should never plug in more than three light strings into one extension cord. Doing so can cause them to overheat and lead to disaster like a fire. Always keep an eye on extension cords and consider purchasing an Allstate homeowner’s insurance policy for your Hawthorne or Santa Monica home for further peace of mind this holiday season.

Only Use Outdoor Lights When Decorating The Exterior of Your Hawthorne or Santa Monica Home

Not all lights are created equal, and even though indoor lights tend to be cheaper than outdoor ones, they are not interchangeable. Indoor lights have thinner insulation and are not as properly sealed against moisture as their outdoor counterparts, making them more susceptible to cracks and damage when exposed to the elements. Play it safe and make sure you only garnish your home with outdoor Christmas lights!

Whether you decide to go all out or keep your decorations to a minimum, keeping your home and family safe this holiday season is a breeze with these Christmas light safety tips. For more tips or questions about our Allstate homeowner’s insurance plans, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at Sully Insurance Center.