Electrical Safety During the Holidays
- Haley Electric
- Nov 25
- 3 min read
The holiday season brings joy, decorations, and plenty of gatherings — but it also brings a surge in electrical hazards. With lights, extension cords, space heaters, and busy homes, it’s one of the most common times of year for electrical accidents and house fires.
At Haley Electric, we believe the holidays should be safe, bright, and worry-free. Here’s what homeowners in West Tennessee should know to protect their family and their home this season.
1. Don’t Overload Outlets or Power Strips
Holiday lights, space heaters, air pumps for inflatables, and kitchen appliances all put extra strain on your home’s electrical system.
Signs of an overloaded outlet or power strip:
Warm or hot plugs
Flickering lights
Tripped breakers
Buzzing outlets
Only plug one major appliance (like a space heater, air fryer, or coffee maker) per outlet, and never daisy-chain power strips together.
2. Choose the Right Extension Cords
Not all extension cords are created equal.
Indoor vs. outdoor cords:
Indoor cords should never be used outside — they can overheat or become damaged quickly.
Outdoor cords are weather-resistant and rated for cold temperatures.
Inspect cords for cracks, frays, or loose ends before each use. If you see any damage, replace them immediately.
3. Use LED Holiday Lights Instead of Incandescent
LED lights are safer for several reasons:
They stay cool to the touch
They use far less energy
They reduce the risk of overheating
They last longer
Always check for missing bulbs, damaged wires, or loose connections before hanging them.
4. Keep Christmas Trees Away From Heat Sources
If you’re using a real tree, make sure it’s properly watered. Dry trees ignite extremely fast.
Keep trees away from:
Space heaters
Fireplaces
Heat vents
Radiators
Candles
A heat source too close to a tree is one of the most common causes of holiday house fires.
5. Don’t Run Cords Under Rugs or Doors
It may look cleaner, but it’s dangerous.
Running cords under:
Rugs
Furniture
Doors
Mattresses
…can cause wires to overheat or fray while hidden. This can lead to sparks or electrical fires. Always keep cords visible and unobstructed.
6. Be Careful With Outdoor Inflatables
Holiday blow-ups are fun — but they also require proper electrical care.
Make sure to:
Plug inflatables into GFCI-protected outlets
Keep all connections off the ground
Avoid using them in storms or high winds
Use weather-rated extension cords
If your outdoor outlets aren’t GFCI-protected, have Haley Electric install them to keep your home safe.
7. Inspect Your Outlets & Breakers Before Decorating
If you notice any of the following, call an electrician before decorating:
Sparking outlets
Burning smell
Repeated breaker trips
Outlets that don’t hold plugs
Warm or discolored wall plate
These are signs of deeper electrical issues that should be fixed immediately.
8. Turn Off Decorations Before Bed
Holiday lights and décor shouldn’t run overnight.
Use:
Timers
Smart plugs
Remote switches
This reduces the risk of overheating and conserves energy.
9. Keep Space Heaters at a Safe Distance
Space heaters cause thousands of house fires each winter.
Keep heaters at least:
3 feet away from furniture
3 feet away from curtains
3 feet away from trees, décor, or wrapping paper
Never leave a heater running while you’re asleep or away from home.
Final Thoughts
The holidays should be filled with peace of mind — not electrical worry. With a few simple safety steps, you can protect your family, your home, and your holiday memories.
Haley Electric has proudly served West Tennessee homeowners for years, providing trusted electrical repair, upgrades, safety checks, and emergency service. If you need help preparing your home for the holidays, we’re here when you need us.
Need an Electrical Safety Check?
Let us make sure your home is safe and ready for the season.
📞 Call or Text Haley Electric: (901) 617-2288⚡ Professional. Local. Dependable.
Comments