With the holiday season just around the corner, the Electrical Safety Authority wants to make sure it’s a safe one. The ESA has a new holiday safety video out, which is to raise awareness on how to keep your home and yourself safe from fires and severe shock.
Serge Laflamme, an ESA Senior Inspector in Timmins, says the video is to show all of the different electrical hazards.
Laflamme says one important safety tip is to make sure you’re using the proper equipment. All lights should be safety tested, and one way to guarantee that, is to buy from a reputable retailer.
More safety tips:
¨ Ensure holiday decorations have a recognized certification mark – this proves they have been tested and meet safety standards.
¨ Always purchase your electrical decorations from reputable retailers to avoid counterfeit products that may not be safety tested.
¨ Look for overhead powerlines when hanging outdoor lights and decorations.
¨ Choose the right decoration for the job: some are rated for indoor use only and could be damaged by our harsh winter climate.
¨ Never use damaged extensions cords and remember not to overload outlets to avoid a fire.
¨ Don’t forget to turn off decorations when you leave the house or turn in for the night.
¨ Store your lights and decorations once the holidays are over. Most aren’t designed for year-round use.
Check out the ESA’s video below, and make sure your holiday is safe and enjoyable.