The holidays are an exciting time of year for both kids and adults. Here are some important safety tips.
Use only lights approved by OSHA-certified laboratories, like Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use. To hold lights in place, string them through hooks or insulated staples, not nails or tacks. Never pull or tug lights to remove them.
Check all tree lights-even if you’ve just purchased them-before hanging them on your tree. Make sure all the bulbs work and that there are no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections.
Never string lights when they are plugged into an outlet.
Use extension cords that are rated to carry the electrical loads connected to them.
Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks.
Do not overload a circuit. An overloaded circuit could cause a fire.
Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
Do not patch electric cords with tape.
Make sure cords aren’t under rugs or too close to radiators, pipes or heaters
Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.
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