Stay Festive and Safe
Holidays are a time for fun and creativity when decorating, but it’s important to prioritize safety while enjoying the festivities. With all the excitement of decorating and celebrating, it’s easy to overlook potential hazards from using electric decorations, candles, and holiday lighting. By taking a few simple precautions, homeowners can ensure their homes remain safe while embracing the season.
Inspect Decorations Before They Are Used
Before plugging in and displaying lights and electric decorations, inspecting them for any signs of damage is best. Most holiday decorations are packed away in haste as people take down and store them. This means that many decorations may be stored in such a manner that they are damaged while they wait to go back up.
Before using decorations:
- Check all cords and wiring for fraying, cracks, or exposed wires, which can pose a fire hazard or cause electric shocks.
- Ensure that any bulbs or lights are functioning properly.
- Check for signs of wear on the decorations.
- Plug in and observe the proper operation of motors and lights.
- Only install decorations following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Have a Strategy
When setting up lighting and decorations, remember where they will be plugged in. Ensure that outlets and circuits are not overloaded by plugging in too many decorations and lights in one circuit, which can cause hazards. Instead, electrical decorations should be distributed across multiple outlets and circuits. Keeping decorations well-placed and circuits balanced will help ensure a safe and festive environment.
Also, avoid placing decorations or any flammable materials near flames, as they could catch fire. When installing lighting and displays outdoors, remember that these must be made for outdoor use to be safe in different weather conditions. Avoid running power from inside the home to power outdoor electronics.
Turn off Lights and Blow Out Candles
One of the most important safety precautions is to turn off all electric decorations and lights and to blow out any candles before leaving the home or going to bed. Leaving lights or candles unattended increases the risk of fires, especially if an accident occurs.
For a safer alternative to real candles, consider using battery-powered candles, which provide the same ambiance without the fire risk. By powering down decorations and extinguishing candles, everyone can protect their home and loved ones while still enjoying the holiday spirit.
About Allsource Electrical Technologies
Allsource Electrical Technologies can help keep the holidays safe with electrical service, including AFCI and GFCI installation. They offer same-day service and honest pricing for everything from lighting upgrades to generator installation. Call today for electrical service in Houston, TX.