|
Keep spirits bright with safe lights
December, 2008
 Christmas lights may put us in the holiday spirit, but they can also cause electric shock and fire if not used properly.
Many of the injuries from holiday decorations treated in emergency rooms in recent years are associated with Christmas lights. A few simple precautions can reduce the risk of fire or shock when decorating:
- Before installing electric decorations, closely inspect all cords and lights. Replace — don't repair! — frayed or bare wires, loose connections or cracked or broken sockets.
We recommend against repair because the few dollars you'll save by fixing damaged lights aren't worth putting your family's safety at risk. Besides, one visible problem may indicate other trouble you can't easily see. Instead, invest in LED (light-emitting diode) holiday lights. LEDs use less energy, last longer and create far less heat, reducing fire risks.
- Make sure every socket on a string of lights has a bulb in it, whether it lights up or not. An empty socket is an invitation to danger. A piece of metal or a twig could complete the circuit and create sparks that could cause a fire. Empty sockets are also inviting to children's fingers.
- Don't string lights while they are plugged in.
- Once your lights are in good shape, do not plug them into outlets that are easily overloaded. If, after the lights are plugged in, a fuse or breaker shuts down the current in one or more sections of your home, you have overloaded that circuit. The only safe remedy is to remove some of the electrical load from the circuit or plug the lights into an outlet on a different circuit that they will not overload.
- Got a pet? Remember that chocolate, tinsel and poinsettias are toxic and life-threatening to cats and dogs. Animals also like chewing on electrical cords and can topple Christmas trees.
Have a happy and safe holiday season.
Paul Basha
President and
Chief Executive Officer
Related Links:
Use extension cords safely, sparingly when decorating »
'Tis the season to buy new holiday lights? »
|
