Consider these safety tips when you are decorating this holiday season:
- Place Christmas trees away from heat sources, such as
radiators or fireplaces. If possible, place it near a smoke detector.
- Aluminum
and metallic trees should not be decorated with lights. They may conduct
electricity and cause electrocution.
- Use flame-resistant ornaments.
- Never
decorate trees with unlit candles or other flammable decorations.
- Always inspect your lights before
use for damage and frayed wires. Replace them with new ones even if there is
just a little damage. Some retailers now offer trade-in credits toward new
lights during the holiday season.
- Make sure lights are marked with the UL Seal
(Underwriters Laboratories Inc., an independent, not-for-profit product safety
testing and certification organization).
- Always check indoor and outdoor wires,
bulbs, electrical plugs and sockets before using.
- Do not overload electrical
outlets or extension cords.
- Do not run electrical cords under rugs or carpets.
Cords can fray and cause a fire.
- Turn off holiday lights when leaving the house
or going to bed.
