Remember to keep exits clear of obstructions and well lighted.

Open flames can be a hazard too, especially near luau decorations. Substitute with battery powered lights or take extra precautions. Remember, guest move things too, so try to make it fool proof.

Many people hang holiday lights each year, but all the extra wiring can be a fire hazard, whether indoor or outdoor.

It's a great idea to have extra breakers and outlets installed for outdoor use. Don't overload a circuit by hanging too many lights together, doing so could cause a fire. Inspect your lights every year and make sure there are no broken wires. Better yet, at the price of outdoor lights, replace them each year. It saves time, is safer and allows you greater flexibility from season to season or event to event.

It's also a good idea to hang only specifically marked outdoor lights on your home or office. Use special skyhook hangers, as opposed to nails or staples, when hanging strings of lights. A staple gun on an electric wire is an accident waiting to happen.

Many experts say that you should consider putting your holiday lights on a timer, or turning them off completely when you're gone or sleeping.