When it comes to electrical safety during the festive season, especially around Christmas, it’s essential to keep things merry and bright without compromising safety.
Here are some valuable tips to ensure your holiday decorations don’t turn into a shocking experience:
- Check Your Christmas Lights: Before you deck the halls, inspect your Christmas lights. Make sure they’re not damaged or faulty. If bulbs are missing, replace them with the same type and rating. Avoid connecting different light sets together, and keep lights away from flammable materials.
- Outdoor Lights: If you’re illuminating the exterior, use lights specifically designed for outdoor use. Connect them via a Residual Current Device (RCD) protected socket. RCDs can prevent electric shocks and fires.
- Opt for LED Lights: LED lights are safer—they operate at lower voltages, reducing the risk of shock. Plus, they use less power and last longer than traditional filament lamps.
- Water Your Real Christmas Tree: If you have a natural tree, keep it well-watered to prevent it from drying out. Dry trees can catch fire more easily.
- Avoid Overloading Sockets: Don’t overload extension cords or power sockets. And remember, even Santa can trip over trailing cords!
- Charge Smartly: Charge your devices on hard surfaces, not beds or sofas. Unplug appliances when not in use to save energy and prevent overheating.
- Watch Those Cables: Check power cables for damage and replace any worn ones. Tripping hazards are no fun during the holidays!
Remember, safety doesn’t dim the holiday spirit—it enhances it! 🎄⚡ If you follow these guidelines, you’ll have a festive and safe Christmas.
- When Christmas comes around, lithium batteries can be found in many things. Lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a small amount of space and can overheat, catch fire or explode if not used properly.
Make sure to always monitor your devices when charging, and do not charge devices under your pillow, on your bed or on a sofa. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and only use the charging cord that came with the device.
Batteries and devices should be kept at room temperature and out of direct sunlight to prevent them from overheating.
Stop using the battery or device if you notice an odour, change in colour, too much heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises.
When it comes time to dispose of your battery or device, do not place it in your dustbin. Look for a battery recycling location or contact your community for disposal instructions.
Ensure your home is equipped to celebrate the holiday safely. Every home should have a working carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm. You may want to consider having a fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit.
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed according to manufacturer directions and tested monthly.