Holiday Decorations
So we’re past the generally agreed upon line in the sand of Thanksgiving Day when we can all officially start decorating our homes. The lights and decorations have started appearing now that the sun goes down earlier and we’re coming to terms with the time change.
Many of us have visions of being our own Clark Griswold as we decorate the inside and outside of our homes. It is definitely a time-honored tradition of sitting back and seeing all of the hard work pay off when that big switch is flipped.
While most homes are equipped to handle the electrical pull of a Griswold-decked out display, home-owners need to pay special attention to how they route it so as to not cause a fire.
With the advent of LED lighting and the annual improvements they make to aesthetics, using LED-lighting provides an electrical and therefore financial savings, as well as providing a somewhat safer environment with regards to fire potential. It is very important to not go above the number of strings of lights as recommended by the manufacturer.
Also, make sure you thoroughly inspect each string of lights as you pull them from storage AND fresh from the box. Frayed insulation can easily result in a fire or electrocution. When using any tape to secure wires, make sure you use electrical tape.
As the cold weather settles in, especially this coming week, many will be turning on their heating devices. While 40 percent of home heating fires involve either portable or stationary space heaters…84 percent of the deaths in home heating related fires are from these heaters! While there is no carbon monoxide risk, there is a high injury or death risk if some simple precautions are not given heed.
Buying a safe space heater is the first order of business. Ensure the unit you purchase has a tip- or tilt-over switch that will shut it off should it tip over. A good unit will also have over-heating sensors that will also shut the unit off should the components become unsafe due to heat.
Second, NEVER EVER plug your space heater into a strip outlet or an extension cord. A space heater on high usually uses 1500 watts which equates to 12.5amps on an outlet. Household outlets are rated at either 15 or 20 amps with most bedroom outlets being rated at 15amps.
Most strip cords are not rated to handle such a large electrical pull as well as other items that are plugged in. Ensure that the circuit you are plugging into is not already maxed-out and consider the other electrical elements being powered.
Regardless of whether you’re plugging in Christmas lights, decorations, or heaters; it is imperative that you check often the plugs for overheating.
Lastly, ensure that you keep a 3’ safety gap around all heaters, portable or stationary. A 3-foot clearance is necessary to keep combustible items and children safe.
Please consider purchasing an electrical or A-B-C fire extinguisher the next time you are at Wal-Mart or Home Depot. Keep it handy. Accidents happen.It just might be the best Christmas present your family gets all year. Stay safe Jasper!
