What would the festive season be without lights? Display lights are a common sight, both indoors and out, and convey both the happiness of the season and add a sense of warmth in the cold winter months. That said, it’s important that this extra power be used responsibly, so here are a few tips to stay safe this holiday season.
Your electrical grid will likely be under more strain from all these extra lights and decorations. Don’t overload your outlets with too many connections and don’t exceed your wattage. A stray spark from an overloaded octopus plug can cause a fire. Use different outlets and power strips whenever possible.
Chances are your decorations have been stored in a box most of the year, and during that time their condition might have deteriorated. Check all cords for faulty or frayed wiring, and test all lighted decorations before setting them up for good.
Ensure that decorations and lights on trees and surfaces don’t generate too much heat. Try to keep all decorations away from open heat sources like fireplaces, to avoid them becoming burned. Instead of open flames like candles, consider swapping them out for the safer glow of LED candles instead.
Any lighted decorations, be they inside or out, should be turned off before you go to bed. If something goes wrong while you’re sound asleep, the situation can worsen quickly without a fast response. Consider an automated timer to turn on and off your decorations. Not only will you stay safe, but you’ll save on your power bill.
Should something go wrong, you need to ensure that your home’s smoke detectors are up to the task. Put in fresh batteries and test each one before putting up the festive decorations, just to be safe.
A few precautions with your Christmas decorations will make for a safe, happy, and festive season.
Key Takeaways:
- As we enter the holiday season, people will be setting up their festive light displays.
- Utilize power strips rather than octopus plugs, so you don’t create a fire hazard.
- To prevent a fire, choose battery-powered LED candles over traditional lit candles.
“Our team of electricians have tips for ways to keep your house safe during the holidays, free from fire danger and electrical shortages.”
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