Icicle lights are so passe.
Today's homeowners are decking their porches and front yards using the latest in lighting technology.
Forever Bright LED (light-emitting diode) lights come in a rainbow of colours and last up to 200,000 hours. The bulbs are more energy efficient than traditional glass bulbs, and they won't break or discolour.
"Forever Bright are fast becoming the hottest selling indoor and outdoor lights because they are cool to the touch and don't present a fire hazard when hung on dry needles," says Malcolm Firkser, owner of Sunnybrook Home Hardware.
"People are impressed by the amount of electricity these new LED lights use, which is 80% less compared to the more traditional strings of lights," he adds.
Decorating hearth and home with twinkling lights is a long-standing tradition. It's also one of the leading causes of indoor fires, according to the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.
"Fire safety deserves special attention during the holiday season," says Ken Kelly, president of the association.
With that in mind, the Canadian Standards Asssociation (CSA) has developed a safety brochure that will be handed out at select Canadian Tire,
Home Depot, Home Hardware, IKEA and Wal-Mart stores.
"As families gather to celebrate the festive season, we want to help them enjoy a safe and happy holiday," says Grant Carter, vice-president of the CSA.
The brochure outlines simple safety tips for indoor and outdoor lighting:
Save the packaging. It contains important manufacturer's instructions on replacement bulbs.
