Have you made your holiday safety list and checked it twice?

Holiday fire prevention: the gift that keeps on giving

Brookhaven, GA, Dec. 3, 2020 --- With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it can be easy to forget that decorations, lights, trees and even wrapped gifts can become hazardous. In fact, Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for firefighters.

Everyone likes to decorate, but all the beautiful lights that you string across your home can also present a serious electrical hazard if you ignore the proper precautions. Before you flip the switch and bask in the warm glow of Christmas, make sure you follow these electrical safety tips to keep your family and your belonging safe this holiday season.

The City of Brookhaven wants all of its residents to have a safe and happy holiday, so here are a few safety tips that can help you keep the Grinch away:

Lights and trees

• Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, loose connections, or frayed or bare wires. Discard all damaged cords.
• Don't connect lights while adjusting them on a tree or house. Inspect lights and plug them together before hanging.
• Indoors or out, use only lights that have been tested for safety. The lights should have the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label.
• Don't let light bulbs rest on tree needles and branches. Use a clip or twist-tie to keep bulbs upright.
• Watch young children around lights and decorations with small pieces that could be ingested.
• Unplug tree lights and decorative outdoor lighting before leaving the house or going to bed.
• If you buy an artificial tree, check for a "flame resistant" label.
• Buy LED holiday lights. They are not only longer-lasting, but they don't get hot to the touch, so they're a lot safer.

Cords and outlets

Don't overload outlets or extension cords.

To hook up your outdoor lighting, use a three-prong grounded extension cord with the UL label.

Uncoil extension cords completely before using and be sure to place them away from heat sources and bulbs.

Never place cords under rugs and doors or through windows where they might be pinched or become worn.

As you deck the halls this season, be fire smart!