Home electrical fires claim the lives of 310 people each year and injure 1,100 more. Some are caused by electrical system failures, but many more are caused by incorrectly installed wiring and overloaded circuits and extension cords. These statistics come straight from the USFA (United States Fire Administration).

According to the USFA, home electrical problems account for 28,600 fires and $1.1 billion in property losses. About 53% of residential electrical fires involve electrical wiring. Make sure your home is electrically safe by following some simple rules.

• Frayed electrical cords are the primary cause of electrical fires during celebrations. By maintaining your lights you can minimize the risk.
• You should inspect them for fraying, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up.
• You should use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
• Do not overload electrical outlets. Do not link more than three lights, unless the directions indicate it is safe.
• Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch.

For more on electrical fire tips, click here.