Fire department shares how to avoid hazards with holiday lights

By: Zac Scott

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Houses may start looking a little extra bright as the holiday season approaches, but there are safety tips community members need to take into account as they start to decorate with holiday lights.

Holiday lights can bring happiness, but they can also cause various injuries when put up or left on for extended periods of time.

Hiding wires under a rug may set the carpet on fire. Not checking the strings for frayed wires or open light sockets could result in a bulb exploding or a bodily shock. Not having a second person to supervise any ladder work can lead to an injury before the holidays begin.

St. Joseph Fire Department Fire Investigator, Andy Peterson, warns holiday decorators about two hazards: electrical wiring and candles.

"Use your proper wiring, proper extension cords for the size of lights that you're going to be using. Don't skimp on that," said Peterson.

While being extra thorough about wiring, Peterson recommended ways to keep candle flames from getting out of control.

"Be aware of where your lighted candles are. Make sure there's something under those so that if they melt down to the bottom of the jar, that they're not heating the table underneath."

Peterson also said to "trust your gut" when it comes to decorating. If a bulb or wire seems questionable, throw it away and replace it.