Key takeaways:
- Decorate with safety top of mind.
- Plug outdoor decorations into a ground fault circuit interrupter to avoid the chance of electric shock.
- Use products appropriately according to their rating for indoor or outdoor use.
- Look for a recognized safety certification on any products you buy.
Holiday lights and decorations make the season sparkle, and we want that sparkle to be safe! Here are some tips you can use to keep your celebrations merry, bright, and worry-free.
Tips for decorating safely indoors
- Overloaded electrical outlets are a fire hazard. Plug decorations into a power bar instead.
- Check light strands for frayed wires or cracks, and discard and replace any damaged strands.
- Do not string together incandescent lights and LED lights.
- Keep cords tucked out of high-traffic areas and do not run them under carpets or doors where they can fray and become a fire hazard.
Tips for decorating safely outdoors
- Before hanging holiday lights, look up and out for overhead powerlines, and keep tools and yourself far away. Do not use poles to hang lights near powerlines.
- Plug outdoor decorations into a ground fault circuit interrupter to avoid electric shock.
- Use plastic clips to hang outdoor holiday lights. Never use staples, nails or tacks.
- Use decorations as they are intended. Only use extension cords, timers, lights, and decorations rated for outdoor use outdoors, and decorations rated for indoor use indoors.
In addition, make sure electric devices and decorations are marked with a recognized safety certification such as Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriters Laboratory (UL), and be sure to unplug or turn off lights and decorations before you go out or go to bed.
From everyone at Enova Power Corp., have a very happy and safe holiday season!
