Holiday lighting safety warning shared

Glacier Health Solutions shared a post on X on May 22 warning that holiday lighting is one of the most dangerous do-it-yourself jobs for homeowners, pointing readers to a regional consumer safety guide. The post cited risks including electrical fires, ladder falls and overloaded circuits, and urged people to use caution or hire professionals for more complex installations. The warning circulated months ahead of the winter holidays, but the hazards it cited match guidance published by U.S. fire and safety groups. UL Standards & Engagement, the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Safety Council all advise consumers to inspect lights and cords, avoid overloading outlets and use proper ladder precautions. ### What exactly did the social post warn about? The May 22 X post from Glacier Health Solutions said holiday lighting is one of the most dangerous DIY tasks and highlighted electrical fires, falls from ladders and overloaded circuits as key risks. The post linked to a consumer safety guide rather than announcing a new government alert or recall. UL Standards & Engagement said in its 2025 Holiday Safety Guide that decorating can create safety risks when people overload cords and outlets or fail to inspect equipment before use. (ulse.org) The group said “daisy-chaining” multiple power strips or extension cords together can cause an electrical fire. ### How common are overloaded cords and outlets in holiday decorating? UL Standards & Engagement said 52% of holiday decorators surveyed admitted to daisy-chaining power strips or extension cords. (x.com) The group said 83% inspect lights for damage, 84% inspect power cords and 81% make sure outdoor lighted decorations are plugged into weatherproof outlets. The National Safety Council says homeowners should inspect all lights, decorations and extension cords for damage before use and avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many decorations or devices because they can overheat and cause a fire. (ulse.org) The group also advises turning off lights and decorations when they are not in use. ### What do fire officials say about holiday light risks? (ulse.org) The U.S. Fire Administration says decorations can increase the chances of a fire during the holiday season. The agency, citing the National Fire Protection Association, says almost one-third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems. The agency advises people to inspect holiday lights each year before putting them up, throw away strands with frayed or pinched wires and follow manufacturers’ instructions on how many light strands can be connected together. (nsc.org) It also says trees should be kept at least 3 feet from heat sources and not block exits. ### Where do ladder falls fit into the warning? The National Safety Council says people should use the proper ladder and assistance when hanging decorations. (usfa.fema.gov) Its checklist also says extension cords and decorations should be kept out of walkways, which can reduce trip hazards around indoor and outdoor displays. UL Standards & Engagement focused its decorating advice on checking for damage and overloading, keeping decorations away from heat sources and using products that meet safety standards. (usfa.fema.gov) That guidance aligns with the social post’s broader warning that some lighting setups may be better left to trained installers. ### What should homeowners do before putting up lights? UL Standards & Engagement says homeowners should inspect lights, extension cords and power strips for visible damage, make sure outlets and cords are not overloaded and use timers or switch decorations off when they are away or asleep. (nsc.org) The group also says consumers should use products that conform to safety standards. The U.S. Fire Administration and National Safety Council both publish holiday safety materials that homeowners can consult before the decorating season begins. (ulse.org) Those resources include guidance on damaged light strands, outlet loading, ladder use and when decorations should be turned off. (usfa.fema.gov)