Improper Christmas decorations can light up your home for the wrong reason.
SRP shared these safety tips with ABC15:
· Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, loose connections or frayed or bare wires. Discard all damaged cords.
· Use only indoor and outdoor lights that have been tested for safety and are certified with the Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) label.
· To hook up your outdoor lighting, use a three-prong grounded extension cord with the UL label.
· Always unplug tree lights and decorative outdoor lighting before leaving the house or going to bed.
· Indoor and outdoor automatic lighting timers can be used to ensure that lights are not left on by mistake.
· Check that cords are not exposed to water due to sprinklers or irrigation.
· Keep electric cords out of high-traffic areas.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, Christmas trees spark around 200 house fires in the U.S. each year. Around 30% are linked to improper or malfunctioning lights or electrical equipment.
