Safety During the Holidays

When decorating with lights this holiday season, it is important to stay safe. "U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 230 home fires annually that start with Christmas trees, resulting in an average of six deaths, 22 injuries and $18.3 million in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association. About 5,800 people annually also are treated in hospital emergency rooms for falls associated with holiday decorations, with more than half of them coming from ladders or roofs while decorating outdoors, the fire association said."  Most holiday decoration related injuries can be easily prevented. Southern California Edison has put together a list of tips to help you and your family stay safe this season.

• Never place lights closer than 10 feet to power lines and always be aware of power lines.
• Use wooden or fiberglass ladders when decorating outdoors. Metal ladders conduct electricity.
• Always inspect your ladder before using it to ensure that it is safe. If the ladder is damaged, buy a new one that is safe to use.
• Be sure electrical cords are not placed at an angle or position that pinches them, like in windows.
• Use plastic zip cords when hanging lights instead of staples, tacks or nails.
• Use no more than three strands of light per extension cord. Overloads can cause fires or lines to short circuit.
• Keep lights directly away from carpeting, furniture, drapes and other flammable materials.
• Use only decorations bearing the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Intertek (ETL) labels.
• Always unplug decorative lights when leaving home or before going to bed.

To read the full article, follow this link: http://newsroom.edison.com/releases/give-the-gift-of-safety-during-the-holidays

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