Tips to Ensure Safe and Festive Halloween and Holiday Decorations
So many people enjoy the spooky fun of Halloween and the rest of the festive holiday season. Some homeowners like to put out a few festive decorations, while others go all out with extensive design plans and lights. The key to a fun and festive holiday is to ensure that lights and other decorations are set up safely to prevent electrical mishaps or other accidents that can lead to injury. Enjoy a worry-free celebration with these essential tips.
Always Inspect Electric Decorations
There are nearly 800 structure fires related to electrical decorations every year. While incidents happen, many of these fires could be avoided using proper precautions and safe handling. The best place to start is to carefully inspect any decoration that requires electricity. Inspecting could alert a homeowner to any concerning elements or damage and make them aware of any potential hazards for safe use.
During an inspection, look for these things:
- Damage to cords, such as wear, fraying, or cuts
- Faulty wiring
- Exposed or damaged wires
- Good working condition
- Component quality and condition
If anything about the cord, wiring, or other electrical components seems off, it is important to determine whether there could be a hazard. Do not use any damaged items or elements. Inspecting could prevent electrical hazards and keep celebrations safe.
Be Safe Plugging in Decorations
Plugging in electrical decorations requires some strategy to get it right. It is so important to ensure items are properly plugged in. This means choosing safe locations and ensuring the circuits and outlets will not be overloaded with the electrical demands of the plugs.
It is important to understand the difference between safe and unsafe plugging locations. If you have any questions or concerns, consult a professional rather than taking the risk.
Safe locations will always be outlets that are in good condition. It is also important to ensure the outlet has adequate capacity for the demands of the items plugged into it, and if needed, avoid using extension cords. If an extension cord is required, inspect it closely and use it correctly.
Unsafe locations come from overloading circuits most of the time. Do not plug too many decorations into a single outlet or circuit. Avoid using any damaged outlets or cords. Make sure any outdoor outlets are rated for external use.
Stay Safe When Away and Asleep
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is leaving their homes or going to bed and not shutting down candles and electrical components. Unplugging lights and blowing out any candles is important before going to bed.
Candles are common for Halloween and holiday decorations but can present a fire risk if not managed properly. This goes for plugged-in lights as well. Turning off those decorations and blowing out candles at bedtime or when the home is unattended will contribute to safe handling.
About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.
Southwest Florida Electric Inc. is a family-owned company that is fully licensed and certified for electrical work. All technicians are carefully trained and properly insured to provide homeowners with reliable, dependable service. Contact them today for electric services in Fort Myers, FL.
