With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s a good time for some simple, common-sense reminders about decorating precautions to ensure that you and your loved ones have an enjoyable and safe season.
Make sure your artificial tree has a label saying it is fire resistant. If you choose to go with a real tree, be sure to choose a fresh tree with needles that are hard to pull from the branches. Cut two inches off the base before you place it in the stand. Keep the stand filled with water to prevent drying out the tree.
Never burn candles near evergreens; dry greens burn like tinder and flames can flare out of control.
Make sure outdoor lights are plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet to reduce the risk of shorts and shocks. Check extension cords occasionally for overheating. Never use tacks or nails to hang lights; use insulated hooks instead. When running extension cords along the ground, elevate plugs and connectors with a brick to keep snow, water and debris out of the connections.
The lights you use indoors should be labeled saying they have been tested as safe by an independent testing laboratory. Discard any lights that have broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. Never use electric lights on a metallic tree; anyone touching the tree could be electrocuted. Always turn off all lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house.
Make sure any paper decorations you use are labeled non-combustible or flame-resistant. Never place trimming near open flames or electrical connections. Do not smoke near paper decorations. Remove all wrapping papers from tree and fireplace areas immediately after presents are opened.
As one of southeast Michigan’s leading electrical contractors, Oak Electric Service wants you to have a safe holiday. Give us a call at (800) 964-7070. We are standing by to answer all of your residential and commercial electrical questions. Be sure to ask about our “Free Electrical Safety Inspection” with every job. We invite you to visit our website at www.oakelectric.com to learn more about us.
