The holidays are right around the corner, so now is the time to decorate your home and yard. This is a fun way to prepare for the upcoming festivities, but you should take caution while doing so to avoid injuring yourself or damaging your home. The team at Wilson Insurance Agency in Dalton, GA, wants to keep your family safe this season. Here, they offer a few tips to help you decorate without needing to file a homeowners insurance claim.

3 Important Holiday Decorating Safety Tips

1. Take Care When Hanging Exterior Lights

When hanging lights, don't use a metal ladder because it conducts electricity. Instead, use only a fiberglass or wooden ladder to prevent shock or electrocution. Also, stay at least 10 feet away from power lines and always have a helper to steady your ladder. Finally, don't place your weight on the rain gutters because they can pull free, sending you falling and necessitating a homeowners insurance claim for the damage.

2. Don't Overload Outlets

Outlet overload can result in sparks, overheated wires, and other fire hazards. Don't plug all your electrical holiday decorations into a single receptacle or connect too many strings of lights. LED lights draw less power and, thus, produce less heat, reducing the chances of fire. Lastly, plug lights and decorations into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which shuts off power to the devices when it detects a short circuit.

3. Unplug Decorations While You're Away or Sleeping

Holiday decorations spend months in storage, where wires can break and insulation can fray. To reduce the chance of fire, always turn off your lights and decorations when you are sleeping or away from home. To keep your house even safer, unplug the cords entirely.

Wilson Insurance Agency understands accidents happen even if you follow all the proper safety protocols while hanging your holiday decorations. That’s why they’re committed to providing affordable homeowners insurance policies to families throughout the Dalton area. As an independent company since 1969, they have connections with a variety of providers and will find the best coverage for your needs. Visit their website or call (706) 278-0549 to get a quote today.