Holiday Light Dangers
November 10, 2023
Stay Safe This Season
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and festivity. However, amid the twinkling lights and cheerful decorations, there lurks a silent danger that often goes unnoticed – electrical hazards. From overloading circuits to poorly maintained decorations, the festive spirit can inadvertently lead to tragic consequences.
One of the primary culprits contributing to electrical dangers during the holidays is the excessive use of extension cords and power strips
. With a myriad of devices vying for power, it's not uncommon for individuals to overload circuits, creating a breeding ground for electrical fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), holiday-related electrical fires result in an annual average of $10 million in property damage.
String lights, a hallmark of holiday decorations, pose a significant risk if not handled properly. Frayed wires, damaged sockets, or using lights that are not rated for outdoor use can lead to electrical shocks and fires. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports an alarming increase in emergency room visits during the holiday season
due to injuries caused by faulty holiday lighting, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
In addition to property damage, the toll on human lives due to electrical hazards during the holidays is staggering. The U.S. Fire Administration estimates an average of 160 injuries and 10 fatalities annually related to holiday decorations
. These heart-wrenching statistics underscore the importance of taking precautions to ensure the safety of both homes and loved ones.
To limit these risks, it's crucial to inspect all decorations before use, looking for signs of wear and tear. Replace any damaged lights or cords immediately. Furthermore, avoid overloading outlets and invest in high-quality extension cords with surge protection.
Educating yourself and family members about the potential dangers is an essential step in preventing accidents. Promoting responsible electrical practices during the holidays can significantly reduce the likelihood of injuries and fatalities. This includes turning off decorations before bedtime or when leaving the house to prevent fires from unattended electrical devices.
While the holiday season is synonymous with warmth and joy, it's essential to be aware of the electrical dangers that can lurk beneath the surface. By taking simple precautions, such as regular inspections, responsible use of electrical outlets, and investing in quality products, we can ensure that our celebrations remain festive and safe for everyone.
We’d love to help you with your holiday or non-holiday electrical needs. Call us at (940) 390-7606
today and let’s get started on your project!
940-390-7606
940-390-7606
While we are an electrical service company, we also realize that many DIYers will be working on their home’s electrical system. Please always use caution when inspecting or repairing any electrical items in the house, and if you are unsure about what to do, please call us and we will be glad to help. No matter what the repair is, make sure the power is off to the item you are working on, and use the correct tools for the job. This article lists some of the tools you or that DIYer you love might need to get the job done safely and correctly. 1. A non-contact voltage tester ($10-30) This quickly (and non-invasively) checks if a circuit is live or not. It's an important safety tool to ensure that electrical circuits are de-energized before working on them. Just because the breaker is off, does not mean there is no power to it. Always double-check with one of these. 2. Multimeter ($35-100) This is for measuring voltage, current, and resistance. It is essential for diagnosing electrical issues and testing circuits. It can be used for the home or for DC current—like cars, boats, etc. 3. Circuit Breaker Finder ($50-100) Many homes do not have their breakers labeled at the panel. This tool helps you identify which breaker goes to which room--much better than yelling across the house! 4. Wire Stripper/Cutter ($10-20) These are for cleanly and safely stripping and cutting wires. Different sizes of wire strippers might be needed for various wire gauges, but most cover several ranges of wire size. The most common wire strippers work on 5-7 different wire sizes. The right tools can make the job easier and safer and can lead to a much better result. These 4 items are just a few of the many tools that help anyone working on electricity. If you have questions or maybe have a job that is a little too big to handle, give us a call at (940) 390-7606 and we will be glad to help.
(940) 390-7606
(940) 390-7606
(940) 390-7606
(940) 390-7606
(940) 390-7606