Tip #2: Safety for Holiday Lights and Decorations
Winnipeg, MB - Holiday spirit is high at this time of year, but so can be the risk of home fires. In our Holiday Fire Prevention Series, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service would like to remind you of ways that you can minimize your fire risk in your home and make this holiday season enjoyable and safe.
Lights and Decorations
It’s always fun to deck the halls and trim the tree during the holiday season. But some lights and decorations can be dangerous if not used carefully. Here are some tips for ensuring your decorations stay decorative, not destructive:
- Always use Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved holiday lights. Check the bulbs, sockets, wires and plugs on your lights to ensure that nothing is cracked, broken or exposed. Replace any missing bulbs, and be careful not to bypass a fuse.
- Do not overload electric outlets. Do not link more than three light strands unless the directions say it is safe to do so. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet.
- Check the wires from your lights once in a while - they should not be warm to the touch.
- Do not use lights on metallic trees. A faulty system could energize the tree and shock or electrocute anyone who comes into contact with it.
- Make sure to turn off all interior and exterior Christmas lights before going to sleep and whenever you are leaving your home.
- Use only non-flammable or flame-retardant decorations, and make sure to place decorations away from heat vents and fireplaces.