Every year, across the country, thousands of preventable house fires occur during the Christmas season. Many families’ lives are thrown into peril resulting from unsafe holiday lighting displays. Electrical safety is important year-round, and by following these simple tips, you can prevent a needless tragedy from occurring in your home!

Please take a moment to read though and follow these warnings while setting up your lighting displays this holiday season. Doing so will protect your home and your family from the risk of electrical shock or fire and ensure a safe and happy festive season for everyone.

Tip #1: Ensure that all lighting sets are marked with a CSA approval label. This ensures that the products have been tested and found to meet the minimum code requirements for electrical safety.

Tip #2: Always arrange your electrical cords so that they are away from heat sources or sharp objects that could damage the wire insulation. Remember that loose cords can also become a tripping hazard if left in a traffic area around the home.

Tip #3: Always check your light sets for damage prior to installing them. Look for broken or damaged bulbs and light sockets and be sure to replace all burned out lamps with ones of the proper size and wattage. Never exceed the manufacturer’s ratings!

Tip #4: Don’t overload extension cords or circuits. Never exceed the maximum wattage rating of any electrical device as indicated on the product’s label.

Tip #5: Any lighting installed in a moist or damp location should be plugged into a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacle to prevent the risk of electrical shock or electrocution.