Holiday fires are 70% more deadly than average fires—but they’re also highly preventable. The holiday season is a wonderful time of year—filled with lights, decorations, cooking, and cozy gatherings, but all that extra energy use can also create safety risks if we’re not careful. At Jones Onslow EMC, we want to help you enjoy the holidays safely while keeping your home powered efficiently.
TIPS FOR A SAFE AND BRIGHT HOLIDAY SEASON
1. Inspect Lights and Decorations
Before plugging in holiday lights, check for frayed wires, broken bulbs, or loose connections. Replace any damaged strands—it’s worth the small effort to prevent shocks or fire hazards. If you’re replacing old lights, consider switching to LED bulbs, which are safer, cooler, and more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent lights.
2. Avoid Overloaded Outlets
Don’t plug multiple extension cords or power strips into a single outlet. Spread out decorations across different circuits, and use cords rated for the devices they’re powering.
3. Keep Heat Sources Away
Whether it’s candles, space heaters, or the fireplace, keep them away from curtains, trees, and other flammable decorations. Never leave candles or space heaters unattended.
4. Outdoor Safety
Make sure outdoor lights and decorations are rated for exterior use. Keep cords away from walkways and driveways to prevent tripping and avoid placing lights near water.
5. Unplug When Not in Use
Unplug decorations, chargers, and other electronics when you leave the house or go to bed to reduce fire risk and save energy. Automatic timers make this easy—set them once and your holiday lights will turn off automatically at bedtime or when you’re away.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the warmth and sparkle of the season safely. Remember, electricity is a powerful tool—with a little care, you can make your holidays bright and worry-free.