The holidays can be a festive and jolly time, but they also can be a source of hazards around the home.
State Farm has compiled a list of tips, aimed at helping you to maintain happy holiday spirits by avoiding electrical fires that result in costly damages.
Here are some of State Farm’s tips:
Lights
Use only lights that have been tested for safety by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL. Lights for both indoor and outdoor usage must meet strict requirements that testing laboratories are able to verify.
Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.
Check outdoor lights for labels showing that the lights have been certified for outdoor use, and only plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-protected receptacle or a portable GFCI.
Make sure to unplug or turn off any decorations when you leave the house or go to bed at night, to prevent harm and possible fire hazards.
Cords
Purchase only extension cords that have been approved by an independent testing laboratory.
When using outdoors, use only extension cords marked for outdoor use.
Avoid powering multiple appliances with one cord.
Never use indoor extension cords outdoors.
Don’t plug multiple cords together.
Don’t run extension cords under rugs or furniture and never staples or nails.
Stop using extension cords that feel hot to the touch.
Published December 20, 2023
