Safety Tips, for Hanging Christmas Lights.<br />The Christmas tradition of hanging lights <br />outside can be a fire hazard without <br />taking the proper precautions. .<br />'Newsweek' reports that each year, <br />about 390 fires are caused by holiday trees <br />and lights in the United States. .<br />Those fires result in about 21 deaths and <br />$25.2 million in property damage, according to <br />the National Fire Protection Association. .<br />Here are some tips from the <br />U.S. National Park Service (NPS):.<br />Inspect lights before using them. , Check for cracked bulbs, frayed cords or loose sockets. Wires should never be warm to the touch.<br />Inspect lights before using them. , Check for cracked bulbs, frayed cords or loose sockets. Wires should never be warm to the touch.<br />Never overload electrical sockets. , Don't chain together more than three <br />mini-light strands or 50 screw-in bulbs. .<br />Hang lights with <br />clips rather than nails. .<br />Use caution with extension cords. , Don't run extension cords under carpet, across doorways, heaters or any high-traffic areas. .<br />Use caution with extension cords. , Don't run extension cords under carpet, across doorways, heaters or any high-traffic areas. .<br />Check whether you have indoor or outdoor lights. , According to the NPS, "Outdoor lights are <br />UL/FM listed for cold and wet conditions <br />and tend to burn hotter than indoor lights.".<br />Check whether you have indoor or outdoor lights. , According to the NPS, "Outdoor lights are <br />UL/FM listed for cold and wet conditions <br />and tend to burn hotter than indoor lights.".<br />Indoor lights are cool enough to be <br />used on the tree but are not designed for outdoor conditions. Many newer <br />strands are made for either, but <br />verify the type of strand before <br />use by looking at the tag near the plug, U.S. National Park Service, via 'Newsweek'.<br />Indoor lights are cool enough to be <br />used on the tree but are not designed for outdoor conditions. Many newer <br />strands are made for either, but <br />verify the type of strand before <br />use by looking at the tag near the plug, U.S. National Park Service, via 'Newsweek'
