The holiday season is full of joyful moments, and so it’s all the more important to keep safety in mind. Here are our tips to enjoy bright, worry-free celebrations.
Light up your home safely
- Before you plug in your string lights, take a few minutes to inspect them. Check the wires, plugs and bulbs—a damaged cord or cracked bulb can cause a short circuit. If you notice a problem, replace the damaged item right away.
- Choose lights certified by recognized organizations like CSA or ULC designed to reduce the risk of fire or electric shock . Look for the logo on the box or product tag. And remember: holiday lights made for indoor use should never be installed outdoors.
- For added peace of mind, opt for LED lights, which give off very little heat.
- Avoid overloading your outlets! Plugging too many sets of lights into one socket increases the risk of overheating. For a safer setup, use power bars with built-in surge protection.
Keep cords secure
- Holiday lights can catch the attention of curious little hands. To prevent kids from tugging on the cords, secure them along a wall or use cord covers. This also reduces the risk of tripping and accidents.
- Keep an eye on play areas, too. Make sure there are no electrical decorations where kids play. Even brief contact with an exposed wire or outlet can be dangerous.
Be careful with gadgets and creative ideas
- When it comes to creativity, safety should always come first. The golden rule: never bring any device or object within three metres of power lines.
- Using a drone to hang decorations might seem like a clever idea, but it’s extremely dangerous. Even one brief moment of contact with power lines can cause an electric shock or start a fire.
Look out for snowbank hazards
- Playing on big snowbanks can be fun, but it’s important to be careful. When snow piles build up under power lines or near poles, kids can get too close and put themselves at serious risk of electric shock.
- Snow forts can collapse without warning, trapping children and making it hard for them to breathe. To keep them safe, make sure their forts don’t have roofs or tunnels.
QA few extra tips
- Always switch off your decorations before you adjust them.
- Use outdoor extension cords and outlets that can withstand moisture.
- If you have any doubts about your electrical setup, call a qualified professional.
The holidays bring joy and light, but a little caution prevents accidents. By following a few simple steps, you can enjoy a festive setting that’s safe and inviting. Happy holidays!
