There is nothing quite like the glow of holiday lights to signal the start of the season. Homes, farms, and neighborhoods across Missouri light up as families decorate, gather, and celebrate. While holiday decor adds warmth and joy, it also brings a temporary increase in fire, electrical, and property risks if safety steps are overlooked. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping the season merry, bright, and safe. Choose Decorations with Safety in Mind Not all decorations are created equal. When purchasing lights, inflatables, extension cords, or electric decor, look for products that are UL or ETL certified. These certifications indicate that the product has been tested to meet recognized safety standards. Avoid using older light strings that show signs of wear, such as frayed wires, cracked insulation, loose bulbs, or exposed metal. If a strand looks questionable, it is best to retire it. Decorations are far less expensive than repairing fire or electrical damage. Outdoor decorations should always be rated for outdoor use. Indoor lights are not designed to withstand moisture, cold temperatures, or temperature fluctuations Avoid Overloading Outlets and Extension Cords One of the most common holiday hazards is overloading electrical systems. Use extension cords sparingly and only as a temporary solution. Extension cords should never be run under rugs, through doorways, or pinched behind furniture where heat can build up unnoticed. Power strips should not be daisy chained together, and outlets should never be overloaded to accommodate just one more strand. If you find yourself needing multiple cords or adapters, that is often a sign to scale back or rethink the setup. A simpler display is often the safer option. Practice Safe Outdoor Lighting When decorating outdoors, use ground fault circuit interrupter outlets when available. Secure cords away from walkways to prevent tripping hazards, especially...