Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.
Skip to Main ContentThe payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.
Re-activateHolidays are joyful celebrations, but following certain safety precautions can keep your child safe, particularly when it comes to holiday lights and candles.
Don't let your child touch holiday lights. In many cases, electrical cords contain lead, which can rub off on your hands and therefore shouldn't be handled by children. (In fact, wash your own hands thoroughly after you handle your light sets.) Make sure your lights sport the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) symbol with a holographic image. Those with the green holographic labels are for indoor use only; those with the red holographic label can be used indoors or outdoors. (See more holiday decorating safety tips from UL.)
Check all holiday lights, whether old or new. Don't use damaged lights. Check for loose connections and frayed or bare wires. Also look for broken or cracked sockets. Don't use lights for more than three 90-day seasons, and don't overload extension cords. UL recommends that you connect no more than three strings of push-in bulbs or a maximum of 50 screw-in bulbs together. Turn the lights off when you go to sleep. (See our video on holiday light safety.)
Take care with candles. Place candles only in a nonflammable heat-resistant container, at least a foot away from other materials. Keep them out of reach of children, definitely out of a child's room, and put matches out of kids' reach so they can't try to light candles after they've watched you do so. Never leave a burning candle unattended (especially with kids around), and put them out when you leave the room and before you go to sleep. (Learn more about home-use fire extinguishers.)
See the Consumer Reports Guide to Childproofing & Safety for more great child safety tips, available in our bookstore or at retailers nationwide.
Build & Buy Car Buying Service
Save thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent car buying experience.
Get Ratings on the go and compare
while you shop
