Holiday Decoration Safety

As we near the end of the year, holiday decorations begin to go up, and the focus is now on holiday celebrations and making new year’s resolutions. While you may be rushing around getting the last-minute details together, take a minute to inspect your holiday decorations. By reviewing these tips and tricks you may find ways to make your home safer, save energy and money during the holidays.

Lighting

Be sure to use LED lights this holiday season. They cost around $0.27 to light a 6-foot tree for 12 hours a day for 40 days, compared to $10 for incandescent lights. Having the brightest house on the block is amazing but try having an energy efficient display! Here are a few tips for having the best holiday lighting.

• Turn off/ unplug decorations when leaving or going to sleep.
• Lights could short and start a fire.
• Inspect decorations for cracked or damaged sockets, loose or bare wires and more. This can lead to a fire or serious shock.
• Do not string more than three strands of lights per extension cord.
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree.
• When using a ladder be sure to have good, stable placement and wear shoes that allow for good traction.
• Ensure outside decorations are for outdoor use and fasten lights securely to your home or trees. If using hooks or nails outside, make sure they are insulated to avoid an electrocution or fire hazard.

Trees

If you are one of the millions of households who will be buying a Christmas tree or bringing it out of storage, it is important to follow these simple rules to avoid holiday fires and irritation.

• Make sure to water your fresh trees – dry trees can be a fire hazard.
• Look for the fire-resistant label when buying an artificial tree. When putting it up, keep it away from fireplaces, radiators, and other sources of heat.
• Check the labels of older decorations. Some older tinsel is lead-based. If using angel hair, wear gloves to avoid irritation. Avoid breathing in artificial snow.
• Remove all wrapping paper from tree and fireplace areas immediately after presents are opened. Do not burn papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

Flames

We all love cozying up next to the fireplace, while watching movies and drinking hot chocolate, but make sure to keep in mind these fire safety tips. Fireplaces and candles are three times more likely to start a fire during the holiday season. Below are ways to ensure that your home does not become the brightest on the block.

• Do not light the fireplace if there are stockings or other hanging decorations on the mantel.
• Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers, and other decorations from fireplace area. Check to see that flue is open. Keep a screen before the fireplace all the time a fire is burning.
• Avoid wearing loose flowing clothes— particularly long, open sleeves—near open flames – such as those of a fireplace, stove, or candlelit table.
• If you are burning candles, place them on a sturdy surface where they cannot be easily knocked over. Also, place them far away from flammable items such as decorations, wrapping paper and greenery.
• Monitor candles closely and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to sleep.

AEP Energy believes in Zero Harm and we are committed to powering a brighter future for our customers and our communities. That includes doing the right thing every time for every customer and offering energy efficient and renewable energy products. Check out AEP Energy Reward Store^®, our one-stop online marketplace where you can find a variety of energy-efficient and connected home products.

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