For people who like to shop, the Friday after Thanksgiving involves reviewing ads and planning to hit the sales. For others, this is the first day to start hanging and showing off holiday lights. From a simple single string along a roof line to elaborate displays that cause cars to slow down, this is a fun way to show your enthusiasm for the season.

Lights can be a pleasure for you and your family but most of us are really amateurs at hanging them, so it pays to follow these basic safety measures with your holiday lights to avoid any problems.

Safety starts when you buy your lights

Think beyond price when you make your choices. Be sure the boxes are marked UL or ETL. These products have been tested by approved independent labs and meet minimum product safety standards. Also make sure they are marked for outdoor use. Indoor-only lights aren’t rugged enough to hang outside, even in protected areas.

You may be drawn to the seven-volt bulbs, but although they are brighter, they also burn hotter than the mini lights. Their heat has caused home fires when they’re placed too close to dried leaves or other flammable material. Finally, look for lights with fuses built in, either on the lines or in the actual plug. This way the light string fuse will pop before it affects your home’s breakers.

Your best choices are some of the new LED lights. They burn very cool but are still bright and come in vivid colors. You can even get lights that change colors. They are more expensive up-front but much, much less expensive to run.

Make sure you install lights properly

Any electrical outlets used for outdoor lights need to handle three-prong grounded plugs. They should also be protected by a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter). You can buy portable GFCIs for outdoor use at a home improvement or hardware store.

Any extension cords should be three-pronged and rated for outdoor use. Never place more than three strings of lights on any extension cord. Don’t use a cord that is longer than your requirements. In other words, if you have five feet to cover, don’t use a 30 foot cord. Keep all cords off the ground if possible and away from snow and water. Any cords that cross walkways should be taped down so they aren’t a tripping hazard.

Don’t use nails or staple guns to install lights. They can damage their insulation. Use plastic rather than metal hooks or fasteners and attach at least every few feet. The lights are generally not sturdy enough to handle draping more than that distance. You can buy clips that will stay on your roof year-round so that you’re ready for next year. If possible, position the lights pointing down so that snow or rain stays out of the sockets.

Practice responsible ladder use

Use a good ladder when climbing to install lights and make sure it is in a stable position before climbing. It’s easy to get casual about this when you’re constantly moving the ladder, but a fall is a lousy present for you and your family.

Light responsibly

Don’t leave holiday lights on when you’re not home. Use a timer so you don’t have to remember to turn them on and off. Don’t leave lights on all night. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for connecting strings of lights. Throw lights away if you have bulbs missing and no replacements.

It may seem like more trouble than it’s worth to hang holiday lights with all these restrictions, but remember, if you can be just a bit organized, you only have to figure this out once. Make a sketch of your light plan that meets these criteria and make sure you have all the pieces you need to create the look you want. Then next year you can follow your plan and put everything up easily and quickly.

One final safety tip – take your lights down when the holidays are over. They are not really designed for year-round use. Your lights will last much longer and your neighbors will appreciate you even more.