Holiday Decorating Safety

SOUTH ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The holiday season is the festive time of year when people light their homes to share Christmas cheer. 

But lost in the eagerness of creating that perfect display are common sense practices that can save the day. South Zanesville Fire Department Chief Russell Taylor has witnessed some of the results that have happened when safety was ignored.

“Back in the summer, here in South Zanesville,” Taylor said. ” We did have a house fire and it was determined it was old Christmas lights that were left around the house and over the heat through the summer and everything, they eventually shorted out and we did have a major fire and a lot of damage done to the house.”

Taylor recommends using properly approved outdoor lighting with cords that are not worn or frayed for the exterior of your house and never use interior lighting outdoors.

“We would recommend LED lights, they don’t burn as hot,” Taylor said. “They’re brighter but they don’t burn as hot. They will be laying against your house. People put them on their roof, their shingles. We’ve had a dry summer, we’re still in a drought, believe it or not we’re still in a drought. That heat laying up there can still catch your house on fire. But take every precaution you can.”

Additionally, never replace bulbs when the lights are plugged in and use a sturdy, non-conductive ladder while staying clear of any overhead wires when hanging outdoor lights.