Holiday season is upon us in Kissimmee, FL. For many people, this means time to pull out the holiday decorations and lights. Homes are transformed into majestic displays of holiday spirit. Unfortunately, some homes do not survive the holiday season. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association states that 860 home fires are caused by holiday decorations every year. Protect your home and your family by following these safety tips when putting up holiday lighting.
Tip #1: Use Caution When Buying Electrical Decorations
Be careful where you buy lights and decorations. Purchase electrical decorations from reputable stores and vendors. Also, make sure they have a seal of approval from a nationally recognized testing lab such as CSA, Intertek, or UL.
Tip #2: Inspect All Equipment Before Use
Before you begin hanging lights and decorations, make sure extension cords are marked for proper use. Check for any damage to lights, cords and electrical decorations. Do not use electrical decorations that have damaged cords or wires.
Tip #3: Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
Plugging too many lights and decorations into one outlet can cause it to overheat and catch fire. Outdoor lighting needs to be plugged into outlets that are protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). And avoid stringing more than three sets of incandescent lights together.
Tip #4: Be Mindful of Where Lights and Other Electrical Decorations are Placed
If there are power lines nearby, make sure that outdoor lights and decorations are at least 10 feet away from them. Inside the home, electrical decorations need to be kept at least three feet away from an open flame or any heating equipment.
Protect your Kissimmee, FL home this holiday season. By following these simple safety tips, you can avoid unexpected disasters caused by an electrical fire.
