The holiday season is filled with joy, decorations, and family traditions but it also comes with extra electrical hazards, especially for households with children and pets. From twinkling lights to extension cords running across the floor, the festive setup can create tempting dangers for curious hands and paws.

Here are some simple steps to keep your loved ones safe while still enjoying a beautifully decorated home:

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1. Use Tamper-Resistant Outlets

Children are naturally curious, and outlets can be dangerous if left exposed. Tamper-resistant outlets (or safety outlet covers) provide an extra layer of protection, preventing kids from inserting objects into them.

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2. Keep Cords Out of Reach

Dangling cords from lights, inflatables, or appliances can attract both kids and pets. Secure cords against walls, tape them down, or use cord covers to keep them out of reach and prevent tripping hazards.

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3. Avoid Overloaded Power Strips

Power strips can become hot if overloaded, and they’re often within reach of kids and pets. Use them sparingly, and never daisy-chain multiple strips together. Choose strips with surge protection for added safety.

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4. Secure Your Christmas Tree Lights

Pets, especially cats, may chew on or play with light cords around the tree. Use pet-safe cord protectors or place barriers around the base of the tree to keep cords out of reach. Always turn off tree lights when you leave the house or go to bed.

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5. Choose Shatterproof Ornaments and LED Lights

Glass ornaments and hot incandescent bulbs can both cause injuries if broken or touched. Opt for shatterproof decorations and LED lights, which stay cool to the touch and are much safer for little hands.

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6. Don’t Leave Lights or Decorations Unattended

Always switch off lights, inflatables, and electric decorations when leaving home or going to bed. This not only saves energy but also reduces fire and shock risks.

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7. Educate Your Family

Take a moment to explain basic electrical safety to children in age-appropriate ways. Simple reminders like “don’t touch cords” or “ask before plugging something in” can go a long way in preventing accidents.

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Final Thoughts

The holidays are all about creating special memories with your loved ones. By taking a few precautions, you can ensure your home stays festive, safe, and stress-free for both kids and pets.

For extra peace of mind, E&A Electric LLC offers inspections and electrical safety upgrades to keep your family protected during the holiday season and beyond.

👉 Contact us today to schedule your holiday electrical safety inspection!