‍According to the U.S. Fire Administration, December is the deadliest month for electrical fires. Before you string lights on the house or the tree, be sure to inspect the strands to make sure there aren’t any frayed cords or cracked lamps. Here are some more tips for Christmas light care.

Christmas Light Tips

• Replace any broken lamps and throw away strands with frayed cords. This will help prevent any accidental fires.
• When you take down your Christmas lights, instead of just dumping them in a box, wrap them around a coat hanger, or even a piece of cardboard, and they won’t tangle up when you unearth them next Christmas.
• If you decorate your home's exterior, you know you need a ladder to reach those high-up spots. The type of ladder you use matters. Metal ladders conduct electricity, which can lead to electrical shocks.
• Check to make sure your lights are labeled as waterproof if you live in a wet area.
• No matter the climate where you live, look for the UL seal. That seal means that the lights meet the national industry standards of the American National Standards Institute.