CHECKING Christmas lights used to be a tedious activity but now it’s easier than ever.
So make sure you don’t skip the quick step before adding fairy lights to your tree this festive season.
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This is a vital step as two commonly overlooked issues can increase the risk of fire in your home.
The home experts at Axa Insurance shared their advice on the popular decoration.
“Christmas lights are a staple in festive décor – we put them on our trees, wrap them around our bannisters and hang them on our walls,” they said.
“However, Christmas lights can be a hazard if not used safely.”
They broke down the checks homeowners should do before hanging up their lights.
First, they recommended checking for any visible damage to the wires.
“If the wire of the light is damaged, you could be at risk of electrocution if the damage area is handled, or the start of an electrical fire,” the professionals explained.
“Check the wires before plugging the lights into an outlet or, if battery operated, inserting the batteries into the pack.”
They also advised people to seek out any damaged bulbs, removing and disposing of them before hanging their lights.
“Sometimes damage can happen while our Christmas lights are in storage, which means the bulbs may crack or break,” they said.
“Before providing the lights with power, check each bulb to make sure it’s in good condition.”
You can carry out checks on your lights by simply plugging them in and inspecting them.
A more thorough approach involves using a contactless electrical proximity tester.
This device can be attached directly to the strand to diagnose any problems.
Sometimes, this gadget can even help to fix any minor issues which may have occurred.
How to look after your real Christmas tree
HERE’S what you need to know if you’re buying a real Christmas tree:
First thing’s first: buy a pot (if it doesn’t come in one already).
You’ll need to treat your tree just like a houseplant and give it water and attention.
Make sure the container has good drainage – and it’s a good idea to put something underneath to catch the excess water.
Check the soil everyday to make sure it’s not drying out.
If it feels dry, give it some water. If it still feels moist, leave it alone as too much water can also kill a tree.
Also check the LED bulbs on your tree lights aren’t too hot as they could burn it, and keep your tree away from radiators.
When Christmas is over, try planting it in the garden so you can dig it up and use it again next year.
It’s a good idea to take it out of its pot when you do re-plant it though, as large trees don’t survive well in pots as their roots need space to grow.
When inspecting bulbs, look for signs of dicolouration or missing filaments inside.
For their final recommendation, the home experts highlighted the importance of turning off your Christmas lights.
While this is usually a step most households take at night, it’s also important to avoid overheating.
“If the lights have been turned on for a long time or you’re not in the room to supervise, turn off your lights,” they cautioned.
“They can get hot and cause a fire.”
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