Xcel Energy

Before placing holiday lights outside on your house or in trees, look up to locate any overhead power lines, then keep all objects such as ladders and extension poles more than 10 feet away. Never toss lights up and over an overhead power line.

Check the cords on strings of lights and replace any that are frayed or worn. Discard all that are in poor condition.

Check for loose connections and damaged plugs or light sockets.

Plug in lights before stringing them to determine whether any bulbs are burned out. Then leave the lights unplugged while stringing or handling them to minimize the risk of accidents.

Avoid attaching too many light strings together and plugging into one receptacle. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and the maximum recommended number.

Use only Underwriters’ Laboratory-approved lights. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for indoor and outdoor lighting.

Use energy wisely. Unplug lights when you are asleep or when you're away from home.

Keep lights away from flammable and combustible materials, including draperies.

Keep lights away from metal railings and banisters, which can become energized if the wire has a short circuit. Avoid stringing lights along aluminum siding, which can conduct electricity. Never use lights on metallic trees.

Avoid using rooftop decorations that block vents or vent pipes.

Plan your decorating ahead of time to reduce any potential safety hazards.

Carbon Monoxide Detection: Xcel Energy strongly recommends annual inspections of your natural gas appliances as the key defense against carbon monoxide poisoning. Appliance inspections are vitally important because they can determine and correct the source of the problem if it exists. Xcel Energy also encourages the use of a carbon monoxide detector in the home on each floor with sleeping rooms. Detectors identify traces of carbon monoxide in the home and sound an alarm when carbon monoxide is detected. The most effective detectors have a battery-backup system and include a memory function that records and indicates the highest concentration levels detected. Install, test and maintain the detector according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Fireplaces: A roaring fire can drain your home's supply of fresh air. Either use glass doors on the fireplace or open a window slightly to supplement the air supply to the fireplace.

Portable heaters: Make sure children and pets can't touch or knock over a heater. To avoid electric shock, don't use an electrical heater near the shower or bathtub. Avoid using fuel-burning heaters in enclosed rooms to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Roof and Tree Raking: Stay more than 10 feet away from power lines when knocking snow off your roof or trees. Accidental contact with power lines can injure or kill.

Hypothermia: People who are frail, elderly or ill are most susceptible to cold and hypothermia -- a dangerous drop in body temperature. Keep warm by dressing in layers and using blankets. Maintain household temperature at a comfortable level.

Fire Prevention: Make sure your holiday lights are Underwriters' Laboratory (UL) approved. Always unplug indoor holiday lights before going to bed or leaving home, and do not use lights designed for indoor use outdoors or outdoor lights indoors. Keep cords away from children and pets, and never place cords under rugs or carpets.