Cordless blinds or shades can be a safe choice at holiday time

Trying new arrangements of lights each year brings a fresh look to holiday decorating, but DoItYourself.com recommends a number of safety tips that apply to decorative light schemes, whether new or old.

Holiday lights may look lovely from the outside, but inside the home the tangle of wires and extension cords should be kept under control to prevent accidents.


The website advises that no more than three standard sets of lights should be connected to an extension cord to prevent overloading an electrical wall outlet. If overheated, the outlet leading to the light bulbs could cause them to blow out. An outlet power breaker strip can prevent overloading.

Electrical cords can be bound together and lined up against walls to prevent tripping, but they should be kept away from metal, moisture, other electrical appliances and hearths. Strings of lights also shouldn't be stretched to prevent fraying of the cords.

With extra visitors in the home, and children running about during holiday time, one way to eliminate window cords is to install cordless blinds and window shades. Cordless lift shades or blinds can be raised or lowered without any cords, and they provide child-proofing not only at holidays, but year-round.