SCE reminds customers to decorate safely this season and prevent electrical hazards

 

Don’t Let Hazardous Lights Spoil the Holiday

By Gore Tagore

 

The holidays may be the jolliest time of year, but they can also bring serious safety risks. Each year, more than  1,100 home fires start with holiday decorations . And it doesn’t stop there — about  4,000 injuries are linked to extension cords , from tripping hazards to electrical burns and shocks.

The holidays are a special time for enjoying the company of loved ones, not languishing in the hospital with injuries. Help your family enjoy the season better by following the safety tips below.

Holiday decoration safety tips:

• If you find frayed cords or wires, broken fuses or cracked light bulbs, throw away the strand and get a new one.
• Use only lights approved for their intended indoor/outdoor use.
• Avoid overloading outlets and extension cords.
• Secure loose cords to prevent tripping.
• Keep decorations away from heat sources and flammable materials.
• Do not insert nails or tacks through any electrical cords, and replace damaged, brittle or frayed cords.
• Turn all the lights off before leaving home or going to sleep.
• Only use artificial trees that are flame retardant.
• If using a real tree, keep it well-watered and away from heat sources. Keep electric cords far from the tree stand’s water pans.

What to do if there’s an electrical fire:

• Never throw water on an electrical fire — you could get electrocuted.
• The best way to put out an electrical fire is with a fire extinguisher. The next best option is baking soda.
• If there is smoke, fire or a strange odor coming from the wires, turn off the appliance and circuit breaker main switch. Then call 911.

For more safety information, visit sce.com/safety .