Safe Lighting Tips to Keep the Season Bright

Holiday lights are central to many celebrations. Some people feel that a holiday just isn't complete without festive lighting, whether it is indoors or outdoors. When shopping for or installing holiday lighting, it is important to keep safety top of mind and ensure that electronics have the UL Mark, which demonstrates that products have met benchmarks for safety and performance.

In recent years, there have been numerous incidents caused by holiday lights, Christmas trees, electronics and decorations.

• According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. firefighters respond to an estimated average of 832 home structure fires per year related to holiday decorations (excluding Christmas tree fires). Annually, these cause an average of three civilian fire deaths, 28 civilian injuries and $17 million in property damage.
• NFPA also reports that nearly one in four (24%) Christmas tree fires occurs due to issues with lamps or bulbs.

Carefully following the manufacturer's instructions can reduce the likelihood of a fire caused by holiday décor or lighting. Consumers should also follow the recommendations in the ULSE 2025 Holiday Safety Guide, such as the following:

• Do not overload power strips and outlets.
• Avoid connecting multiple power strips together.
• Inspect all electronics for visible damage (such as broken sockets or frayed wires).
• Turn off powered decorations when not at home or while asleep.

Lithium-ion batteries, found in everything from electronic toys to tablets and power banks, can also pose fire risks. Keeping battery safety tips in mind can help consumers mitigate those risks.

To learn more about UL Solutions services, visit the Seasonal Lighting webpage.