Electrical safety tips for the holidays

Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, loose connections and frayed or bare wires.

If a string of lights or a cord is damaged, throw it away.

Check extension cords for wear and tear.

Don’t overload outlets or extension cords. 

Unplug all holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.

Use appropriate extension cords indoors and outdoors.

Use an indoor/outdoor automatic timer to ensure lights aren’t left on by mistake.

Make sure that lights are unplugged before adjusting them on a house or a tree.

Don’t let bulbs rest on tree limbs or branches. Instead, clip or tie them into place.

Watch children around holiday lights and decorations. Small pieces can be swallowed.

Only buy artificial trees that are labeled “flame resistant.”