Holiday Lighting Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Welcome to the holiday season! At Gilmore Electric Express, we love seeing our community sparkle with festive lights—but we also know that when it comes to decorating, safety must be first. That’s why we’re sharing these holiday lighting safety tips to help ensure your home’s display is both beautiful and secure.

Why Holiday Lighting Safety Matters

Decorating for the holidays is a wonderful tradition, but it also introduces unique electrical risks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that during one recent holiday season there were nearly 14,900 emergency-department visits tied to holiday-decorating injuries, many involving electrical issues or falls. Similarly, utilities and fire-safety authorities remind homeowners that poor wiring, overloaded outlets or damaged cords can trigger fires or shocks.

For homeowners in Bryan/College Station and the greater Brazos Valley, following sound practices for holiday lighting isn’t just a good idea—it’s an important step towards protecting your home, family and peace of mind.

Pre-Decoration Checklist: Safety Starts Before You Plug In

Before you hang a single light, walk through these items:

1. Inspect all lights and cords – Check for cracked or missing bulbs, frayed or broken wires, loose plugs or discoloration. Damaged strings should be discarded or replaced.
   
2. Check rating and labeling – Make sure your light strings are labeled for the use you’re planning: indoor vs outdoor. Using indoor-rated lights outside exposes you to moisture and weather-related risk.
   
3. Avoid overloading outlets or circuits – Many holiday display issues stem from plugging too many lights or decorations into one outlet. Use dedicated circuits rated for it the amount of lights you will use.
   
4. Check your home’s outdoor wiring and outlets – If your outdoor receptacles aren’t GFCI protected (ground-fault circuit interrupter), it may be time for an upgrade. Faulty outdoor wiring is one of the overlooked risk zones.
   
5. Plan access and ladders early – If you’ll be climbing on a ladder or accessing the roofline, choose a dry, stable day and clear away hazards beforehand. Even safe wiring can be compromised by a slip or fall.

During Installation: Smart Practices for Holiday Lighting Safety

Once you have good gear and a plan, follow these guidelines during installation:

• Don’t staple or nail through light cords. If you penetrate the insulation you risk exposing wires and creating a fire or shock hazard.
  
• Keep cords clear of pathways, doors, and windows where they can be pinched or tripped over. Also avoid running cords under rugs or mats.
  
• Use timers or smart plugs so your lights turn off automatically when you’re asleep or away. This reduces unnecessary stress on wiring and minimizes risk.
  
• Avoid stringing together too many light sets unless the manufacturer explicitly allows it. Older incandescent strings are more prone to overheating.
  
• Be mindful of ladder and roof safety. If you’re reaching high places, have a spotter, use proper ladder angle, and avoid climbing in wet or icy conditions.

Post-Installation: Maintain Safe Displays

Your work isn’t done when the lights are up. The holiday display still needs ongoing care:

• Inspect periodically. If you notice lights flickering or outlets getting warm, turn off power and check for damaged components.
  
• Keep an eye on weather and change decorations if needed (e.g., heavy rain or freezing conditions).
  
• Turn off your outdoor lighting when you go to bed or before you leave. A simple timer makes this easy and consistent.
  
• When the season ends, remove decorations in a timely way. Seasonal lighting left up too long can transition from temporary to semi-permanent wiring, which may trigger code concerns or degrade faster.

When to Call a Professional

At Gilmore Electric Express, we believe in helping homeowners stay safe and making sure electrical systems are properly designed. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to schedule a service call:

• Your main panel or outdoor outlet lacks GFCI protection.
  
• Wiring outside looks old, damaged or poorly secured.
  
• You plan a larger installation (e.g., projecting lights across the roofline or through trees) and want a safe evaluation of circuits.
  
• You’re unsure how much load your holiday display places on your home’s wiring.
  
• You want to install an exterior receptacle or dedicated circuit for lighting that can be used year after year.

If you’d like help with any of these, please check out our services page and feel free to get in touch. You can schedule service through our contact page.

We’d be delighted to ensure that when you set up your holiday lighting it’s not just beautiful, but safe.

Why Choose Gilmore Electric Express for Your Holiday Lighting Needs

We’re an Aggie owned and operated company serving the Brazos Valley, and we’ve built our business on trust, safety and professionalism.

Whether you’re adding a simple string of lights or planning a more elaborate display, we bring the right expertise, licensed technicians and the commitment to get it done right. Our goal is to ensure your home shines brightly—and without compromise.

From all of us at Gilmore Electric Express, we wish you a very merry and safe holiday season. If you ever have questions about your home’s electrical safety, don’t hesitate to reach out.