Putting up lights and decorations often enlivens the holiday spirit. Holiday decorating is something many people do each and every year without incident, yet this season is also one of the most hazardous times of the year when it comes to electrical fires and accidents.
People often store annual decorations in the garage, basement, or storage shed. The cords can become frayed or damaged in storage from extreme weather or by a mouse or other hungry rodent that might have found its way into the storage space. Carefully inspect each electrical decoration. Check for cracking, fraying, or bare wires. They may cause a serious shock or start a fire. Replace any damaged decorations.
Valley Rural Electric Cooperative and Safe Electricity offer these additional tips as you deck the halls this holiday season.
- When decorating outside, look up and around for power lines. Never throw lights or other decorations into trees near power lines.
- Keep ladders, equipment, and yourself at least ten feet from power lines.
- Match plugs with outlets. Do not force a three-pronged plug into a two-pronged outlet or extension cord.
Ensure outdoor outlets or extension cords are equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).- When decorating outside, use only lights, cords, animated displays, inflatables, and decorations rated for outdoor use. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use them.
- Never string more strands of lights together than recommended by the manufacturer.
- Do not staple or nail through light strings or electrical cords. Use plastic or insulated hooks to hang lights.
- Keep electrical cords out of walkways to avoid tripping hazards.
- Turn off or unplug all electrical decorations and lights before leaving home or going to sleep. Consider using a timer.
- Do not attached cords to utility poles.
Ensure outdoor outlets or extension cords are equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
The outside of your home is not the only place where you need to be cautious of dangers. Use care when placing and decorating trees inside your home. Place fresh-cut and artificial trees away from heat sources such as registers, fireplaces, and radiators. Water fresh-cut trees frequently. Turn off or unplug lights before you go to sleep. Use a timer to help.
May you and your family have a safe and happy holiday season. For more information on holiday safety tips, visit SafeElectricity.org.
Article, decorated house image, light strand image, and outlet image courtesy of SafeElectricity.org with modifications by Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. Christmas tree image by Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.