6 ways to make sure Christmas lights are safe

The Charlottetown Fire Department presents 12 Days of Fire Safety this Christmas.

First up is Christmas lights. Before you deck your halls — and gutters and windows — read these tips.

• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections;
• Connect no more than three strands of mini light sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs;
• Read the manufacturer’s instructions;
• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Follow the recommendation on the packaging;
• Use clips, not nails or staples to secure strings of lights so the cords don’t get damaged;
• Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.