With the holiday season fast approaching, many of us will be hanging lights, decorating trees and finding creative ways to celebrate the season.
Salt River Project (SRP) is encouraging customers to stay safe this holiday season as they bring out the decorative lights bulbs, surge protectors and extension cords to energize the holidays.
Each year, fire departments across the country respond to hundreds of home structure fires that begin with Christmas trees or holiday lights, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
“It’s important to remember to check your lights and power cords as you decorate your homes to make sure they are in proper, working condition,” said Erika Castro, with SRP Safety Connection.
Below are some tips to remember:
• Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, loose connections or frayed or bare wires. Discard all damaged cords.
• Indoors or out, use only lights that have been tested for safety. The lights should have the Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) label.
• To hook up your outdoor lighting, use a three-prong grounded extension cord with the UL label.
• Uncoil extension cords completely before using, and be sure to place them away from heat sources and bulbs.
• Unplug tree lights and decorative outdoor lighting before leaving the house or going to bed.
