Learn more about outdoor holiday light safety in this Ch 11 interview with the Electrical Connection.
America loves to brighten the holidays with lights. According to a 2013 Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) consumer survey, nearly two-thirds of those who decorate for holidays use electric lights in their indoor decorating scheme. More than half also use holiday lights on the exterior of homes. And more than 60% of those who decorate their homes for the holidays use at least one extension cord.
But combining old, wire-damaged decorations with a combustible Christmas tree or metal guttering is a recipe for disaster. In 2005, the U.S. Fire Administration (a division of FEMA) issued a benchmark study on the seasonal nature of fires. It found that over the winter holiday season, homes were the most vulnerable to structural fires. Moreover, Christmas tree and other decoration fires produced blazes where fatalities were eight times greater and dollar loss were more than three times greater than any other structural fire cause over the winter holidays.
Of all the potential igniters, Christmas lights tend to be the biggest hidden danger. The Electrical Connection offers the following advice:
IBEW/NECA electrical contractors are always ready to answer any questions you might have about decorating safely for the holidays. Many of our contractors will come to your home to install holiday lights safely and brighten the season. Just look on our website for the most reliable electrical contractors.
Click the image to watch the video on FOX 2 Now.
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