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The Sun Lakes Fire Department
Safety Message
December 2011
Tips for Holiday Electrical Safety
Holiday lights and electrical decorations
create holiday cheer both inside and outside the home - but
they can also create fire hazards and electrical shock risks
if they are not handled properly. The Home Safety Council
recommends taking the following precautions while decorating
your home this year:
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Inspect holiday lights and extension cords
before decorating. Replace any that are fraying or otherwise
damaged. Pay special attention to lights, cords or
decorations that may have been damaged from winter weather
conditions. |
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Check for red or green UL marks on all light
strings and extension cords. The green holographic UL Mark
means the light strings should be used only indoors. The red
holographic UL Mark indicates the light strings can be used
both inside and out -- and can withstand conditions related
to outdoor use. |
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Follow manufacturer's guidelines for stringing light sets
together. As a general rule, Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
recommends using no more than three standard-size sets of
lights together. |
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Do not overload extension cords or electrical
receptacles. |
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Unplug all holiday lights when you go to
sleep or leave home. |
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Automatic lighting timers can be used to ensure
that lights are not left on. These are available for both
indoor and outdoor applications.
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Roll up excess electrical cords and keep them
away from high traffic areas. Do not run electrical cords
under rugs. |
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Never keep an extension cord plugged in when
it is not in use. |
* Safety information
provided courtesy of The Home Safety Council.
FFor additional
information on fire safety or to schedule a speaker, contact
the Sun Lakes Fire Department
t (480) 895-9343
Your safety is
important to us. Protect your family from fire.
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