There is one gift this holiday season that doesn't need wrapping that will benefit everyone in your home - electrical safety.
We all want our holidays to be remembered for the right reasons and not for a home fire or electrical accident. At this time of year, pay extra attention, whether you're hanging holiday decorations, cooking or warding off the winter chill.
Play it safe and make sure good safety sense isn't dulled by the holiday rush. It's a busy time of year, but don't forget to checkig electric cords for damage, not overloading outlets and more.
Statistics show home fires and electric accidents increase during the winter holidays. The following safety advice can help keep the holidays happy.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, about 150 home fires are caused each year by decorative and holiday lights.
Reduce the likelihood of fire
- Use lights approved for safe use by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
- Never connect more than three strands of incandescent lights together. Consider purchasing LED lights, which are more energy efficient and burn cooler.
- Before decorating, determine how many outlets are available and where they are located.
- Plan your displays accordingly. Carefully inspect each electrical decoration. Cracked or damaged sockets, loose or bare wires, and loose connections may cause a serious shock or start a fire.
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many decorations or electrical devices. They can overheat and cause a fire.
- Make sure that cords are not pinched in doors, windows, or under heavy furniture, which could damage the cord's insulation.
- Turn off all indoor and outdoor electrical decorations before leaving home or going to sleep.
Tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation
- Have your heating system inspected annually by a licensed, qualified professional.
- Use space heaters properly and safely. Keep them out of high-traffic areas and at least three feet from anything that can burn.
- Do not leave a space heater running unattended. Turn space heaters off and unplug them when you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Never leave an open flame, including the fireplace, unattended.
In addition to these tips, don't forget to check out the PPL Electric Utilities' safety page, www.pplelectric.com/safety. It's filled with information to help keep you safe no matter the time of year. ESFI also has great electrical safety information at www.esfi.org.
Electrical safety is important everywhere, every time, at home, work or play.
All the best this holiday season from all of us at PPL Corporation.