protocols to keep in mind
The packaging on lights will indicate if the product is intended to be used indoors or outdoors . It ’ s vital that individuals decorating their homes with lights pay attention to these labels . Never decorate the exterior of a home with interior lights , and vice versa . a cords made for indoors also should not be used outdoors and vice versa .
• Be especially careful with candles . Candles should only be burned when adults are in the room and should always be extinguished before leaving the room or going to bed . When burning candles , place them on heat-resistant surfaces that are beyond the reach of curious kids and pets . Never place candles within arm ’ s length of Christmas trees or houseplants , including poinsettias .
• Ask an electrician to inspect your exterior outlets and circuits . Ground fault circuit interruptor ( GFCI ) outlets are designed to prevent electric shocks and reduce the risk of electrical fires . Most areas now require new homes be built exclusively with GFCIs , which are recognizable because they feature two buttons between the outlets . But older homes may not be equipped with GFCIs , particularly with exterior outlets . GFCI installation is not an especially expensive job , so homeowners should ask an electrician to inspect their interior and exterior outlets and replace non-GFCIs with GFCIs .
• Do not pinch light cords . Stringing lights can be a hassle , but cords should never be pinched in doors or windows or beneath interior and exterior furniture . Doing so increases the risk of damage to the cord , which in turn increases the likelihood of fire .
• Avoid overloading circuits . Overloaded circuits pose a significant fire hazard . When plugging in lights , choose outlets that aren ’ t already occupied by devices and other electronics . If need be , unplug appliances like televisions and devices while lights are on and plugged in .
When decorating this holiday season , celebrants are urged to do everything they can to reduce the risk of fire in their homes .
HUNTSVILLE LIVING | NOVEMBER 2022 | 27