Every year there are reports of fires started by Christmas trees or holiday decorations. While the holidays are full of family traditions, do your part to make safety a holiday tradition in your home. Take some steps to be sure you are decorating your home safely this winter.
- Use only extension cords and electrical decorations marked for proper use
- Outdoor electrical lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
- Inspect all lights, decorations, and extension cords for damage before using
- Exercise caution when decorating near power lines. Keep yourself and your equipment at least 10 feet from power lines
- Turn off all indoor and outdoor electrical decorations before leaving home or going to sleep
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many decorations or electrical devices. They can overheat and cause a fire
- Never connect more than three strings of incandescent lights
- Water your Christmas tree daily
- Keep all decorations at least 3 feet away from heating equipment or an open flame
- Purchase electrical decorations from reputable retailers and that are approved by a nationally recognized testing lab such as UL, Intertek, or CSA
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