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 manufacturers 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 dont get damaged;
• Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.