SCE reminds customers that safely decorating their homes, work places and Christmas trees with energy-efficient lighting will brighten everyone’s holiday season.
- Keep electrical connections off the ground and away from moisture. Water and electricity are a deadly combination.
- When hanging lights, make sure staples, tacks and nails do not pierce or pinch wires. Use plastic zip cords instead.
- Never get closer than 10 feet to power lines. Remember, trees may have power lines running above, near or through them. Do not throw light strands or electrical cords into trees.
- Do not use lighted candles on trees or decorations. During power outages use flashlights instead of candles.
- Use only lighting and cords approved by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent, nonprofit organization that tests electrical components and equipment for potential hazards.
- Check all indoor and outdoor decorative lighting for frayed cords, broken wires and loose connections. If you find a problem, throw the strand away.
- Change bulbs only when the lights are unplugged.
- Use lights and extension cords designed for outdoor use if placing them outside.
- Unplug lights when you leave home or go to bed. Use a timer so that they are on only during the hours you select. This can also help you save energy.
- Use only three strands of lights per electrical cord or outlet. An overload could cause a short circuit and a fire.
- Keep indoor trees well watered so that they won’t dry out and become fire hazards.
- Keep lights away from carpeting, furniture, drapes and other combustible materials.