Electrical holiday lights and displays attract adults and children alike. But holiday electrical lights are also potentially dangerous because too many people don't know how to perform safety checks on light strings and ornaments. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), it is estimated that 12,500 people go to hospital emergency rooms for falls, cuts, shocks and burns related to holiday decorating.
Before stringing lights, inside or out, become familiar with CPSC's safety-watch list for your holiday season:
- Use only lights that have been tested for safety, identified by the label from an independent testing laboratory.
- Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets or repair them before using.
- Check light strings to see how many strings can be safely joined. Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per extension cord.
- Never run extension cords through water, even those labeled for outdoor use.
- Turn off all electrical decorations before leaving home or going to bed. Install automatic timers to ensure lights do get turned off, and to save electricity at the same time.
- Brown or brittle needles are prone to fire, so always buy a fresh wreath or tree. Place the tree in a no-tip stand, and keep it watered. If you have an artificial tree, make sure it is flame-retardant.
Protect yourself, your family and your home by following safety procedures to ensure a safe holiday season.
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