Staying Safe During the Holiday Season
Festive parties, dazzling lights and decorations are beautiful holiday traditions. But some of the things that make the holidays so special also can pose electrical and fire hazards.
Don't let electrical accidents darken your holiday celebrations. Look for and eliminate potential dangers posed by holiday lighting, decorating and entertaining.
Decorating Dos & Don’ts
Before you decorate for the holidays, take some simple steps to avoid potential safety hazards.
- Place fresh-cut trees away from heat sources, such as heat registers, fireplaces, radiators and televisions. Water the tree frequently.
- Use only lights that have been safety tested and have the UL label.
- Before use, check each light string for broken sockets, frayed cords, or faulty plugs. Replace damaged strings. Always unplug light strings while replacing bulbs.
- Do not string together more than three standard-size sets of lights.
- Make sure extension cords are in good condition and are UL-approved cords rated to carry the electrical load at hand.
- Match plugs with outlets. Do not force a three-pronged plug into a two-pronged outlet or extension cord.
- Do not overload outlets. Use surge protector strips if multiple outlets are needed.
- Keep electric cords away from high-traffic areas, and do not run them through doorways or hide them under rugs or carpets.
- When decorating outside, use only lights, cords, animated displays and decorations rated for outdoor use. Cords should be plugged into outlets equipped with GFCIs. Use a portable GFCI if outdoor outlets do not have them.
- Do not staple or nail through light strings or electrical cords.
- Do not let children or pets play with light strings or electrical decorations.
- Always unplug lights before going to bed or leaving your home.
- Extension cords are meant only for temporary use.
- Check that smoke detectors are working properly, and be sure everyone knows how to respond in case of an electrical accident or fire.
- Make sure the increased load does not overload electrical circuits.
** Overloaded electrical systems are a major cause of fire. Flickering or dimming lights and monitors, sparks from appliances or outlets, and wall plates, plugs or cords that are warm to the touch are signals of potential danger spots that could cause an electrical fire.