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BE BRIGHT ABOUT LIGHTS

Holiday lights, electrical decorations and candles create a warm and festive atmosphere.
However, they can also create fire hazards and inflict injuries if they are not handled properly. The
Ashford Volunteer Fire Department recommends taking the following precautions while
decorating your home this year:

Electrical Lights and Decorations

Inspect holiday lights and extension cords before decorating. Replace any that are fraying or
otherwise damaged. Pay special attention to lights, cords or decorations that may have
been damaged from winter weather conditions.

Check for red or green UL marks on all light strings and extension cords. The green
holographic UL Mark means the light strings should be used only indoors. The red
holographic UL Mark indicates the light strings can be used both inside and out -- and can
withstand conditions related to outdoor use.

Follow manufacturer's guidelines for stringing light sets together. As a general rule,
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) recommends using no more than three standard-size sets
of lights together.

Do not overload extension cords or electrical receptacles.

Unplug all holiday lights when you go to sleep or leave home.

Automatic lighting timers can be used to ensure that lights are not left on. These are
available for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Roll up excess electrical cords and keep them away from high traffic areas. Do not run
electrical cords under rugs.

Never keep an extension cord plugged in when it is not in use.

When replacing a light bulb, make sure that the replacement bulb is of equal or lesser
wattage than that recommended by the manufacturer.

If you have children in your home, use safety caps on all electrical receptacles.

Candles

Never leave burning candles unattended. Extinguish all candles before going to sleep or
leaving the room.

Do not permit children to keep or use candles or incense in their rooms. Candles should
only be used when a sober adult is present and awake.

Never use lighted candles on or near a Christmas tree or other evergreens.

Keep candles at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including other
decorations and wrapping paper.

Always use stable, nonflammable candle holders.

Place candles where they will not be knocked down or blown over and out of reach of pets
and young children.

Always keep burning candles up high, out of the reach of children. If you have children in
your home, store candles, matches and lighters out of their sight and reach.

Information provided courtesy of the Home Safety Council, www.homesafetycouncil.org.